The Cost of Interruptions
How distractions can destroy a business
Between task overloading and interruptions, companies are losing massive amounts of money, and people are downright exhausted. Multitasking efforts are dangerous, and the idea humans are built to manage mountains of work is destroys self-confidence and worth.
It happens while at home, too. Whether you’re stopped to take out the trash “right now” or instructed to switch gears for a moment, consider what it means. Interruptions kill our productivity and creativity.
Even the “small things” wreak havoc on our daily plans. And the reason — albeit simple — is sometimes difficult to understand.
Interruptions delay everything
Sending an email, checking voicemail, even doing laundry. Interruptions disrupt the flow, turning the quickest tasks into lengthy ones.
Here’s why:
When we shift gears, our mind has to stop processing what we were already doing. After performing the task, we need to refocus. Hence, the setup, delivery, and aftermath of working a task — even a quick one — takes longer than the task itself.
Right now, I can step away from writing this. In fact, I will. Be right back…
