The document discusses the myth of multi-tasking and its ineffectiveness. It references a previous post by the author four years ago that discussed research showing multi-tasking takes 50% longer to finish tasks and results in 50% more errors. The author recommends single-tasking and provides an 8-step plan to resist multi-tasking, including controlling distractions, setting boundaries for communications, and embracing single-tasking. The document encourages readers to reconsider their multi-tasking habits if they see themselves in the scenarios presented.

1. Multi-tasking is a Myth
Posted on 03/16/2015
Four years ago I was inspired to write Attention Divided: Avoid Multi-Tasking.
In that post, I shared the following:
My name is Beverly and I’m a
recovering multi-tasker. Like
others of my ilk, I used to take
pride in my juggling skills. I
believed that tackling two or three
tasks simultaneously was a sign of
efficiency. Boy, was I wrong!
The truth is we just aren’t wired for
multi-tasking. Research shows that when we attempt to switch our attention
back and forth we take 50% longer to finish a task and make up to 50%
more errors. In the worst case scenario, multi-tasking can literally cost us our
lives or at a minimum, our dignity.
I encouraged lawyers to stop the insanity and suggested 8 specific action steps
to resist multi-tasking:
Oregon Law Practice
Management
Practice Management Tips for Oregon Lawyers
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2. ◾ Control distractions – like the annoying pop-up: “You’ve Got Mail!” or push
notifications on your smartphone or mobile device. In fact, turn your
smartphone OFF occasionally.
◾ Give yourself a break from social media and the Internet.
◾ Set boundaries for reading and responding to e-mail and texts.
◾ Schedule a specific time each day to make and return phone calls.
◾ Advise clients of your business practices – office hours, availability by
phone, ability to accommodate unscheduled appointments.
◾ Embrace “single tasking.”
◾ Ditch the guilt. Much of the reason we feel compelled to multi-task is
because we believe it is expected of us.
◾ Respect each other’s time whenever possible. “Do You Have a Minute?”
almost always translates into a much longer interruption.
In this month’s issue of the Oregon State Bar Bulletin, I was thrilled to
see Elizabeth Ruiz Frost’s article “Mental Shrinkage: The Many Costs of
Multitasking.” I couldn’t agree more with the title and the points made in Frost’s
article. If you haven’t read this month’s issue of the Bulletin, I urge you to do so.
Take a few minutes to read Frost’s article and ask yourself: is this me? Do I see
myself in these scenarios? If the answer is yes, consider implementing the 8
point plan above.
All Rights Reserved 2015 Beverly Michaelis
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Page 2 of 3Multi-tasking is a Myth | Oregon Law Practice Management
6/5/2015http://oregonlawpracticemanagement.com/2015/03/16/multi-tasking-is-a-myth/