A Rant on the Perils of Multitasking

The Unending Frustration

chel writes
the Challenged
3 min readFeb 20, 2024

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Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash

Alright, gather around folks, because it’s time for a good old-fashioned rant. Today’s target? The pervasive myth of multitasking.

We live in a world that glorifies the ability to juggle a dozen things at once, but let me tell you, it’s time we call out this so-called skill for what it is — a chaotic, productivity-killing illusion.

I acknowledge that my views may not align with everyone’s opinions, but I would like to explain some of my points; after all, it’s my perspective, okay?

The Multitasking Mirage

Let’s start by debunking the myth that multitasking is some kind of superpower. It’s not. It’s a trap, a mirage that promises efficiency but delivers nothing but stress, mistakes, and a general sense of being overwhelmed. In a society that values busyness as a status symbol, we’ve been led to believe that doing more things simultaneously is a sign of success. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

The Deceptive Illusion of Productivity

Sure, the idea of answering emails, attending a Zoom meeting, and brainstorming your next big project all at the same time might sound like a recipe for success. In reality, it’s a recipe for disaster. Multitasking doesn’t make you more productive; it makes you prone to errors, decreases your ability to focus, and ultimately hinders your overall performance.

The Brain’s Rebellion

Let’s talk about our brains for a moment. They are not wired for seamless multitasking. When you switch between tasks rapidly, your brain rebels, making you slower and more prone to mistakes. It’s like trying to drive in rush hour traffic while simultaneously composing an email — both endeavors end up suffering, and your stress levels skyrocket.

Quality Over Quantity

Here’s a radical idea: let’s prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of trying to cram as many tasks as possible into our schedules, let’s focus on doing one thing at a time and doing it well. There’s a reason why the phrase “quality over quantity” has endured — because it’s a timeless truth.

The Cult of Busyness

We’ve unwittingly joined a cult — the cult of busyness. We wear our overloaded schedules like badges of honor, proudly proclaiming how little sleep we get and how many tasks we can juggle simultaneously. It’s time to break free from this cult and recognize that being busy does not equate to being productive, happy, or fulfilled.

A Call to Simplicity

Amid this rant, I propose a call to simplicity. Let’s reject the pressure to multitask and instead embrace the beauty of focusing on one task at a time. Let’s reclaim our time, reduce our stress levels, and rediscover the joy of deep, meaningful work. It’s time to break free from the shackles of multitasking and choose a path that leads to genuine productivity and a more balanced, fulfilling life.

So, there you have it, my friends — a rant on the perils of multitasking. It’s time to stop glorifying the chaos and start championing the art of doing one thing at a time. Let’s break free from the multitasking trap, reclaim our sanity, and rediscover the joy of focused, intentional living. Who’s with me?

P.S: A little backstory, I was swamped with a significant amount of work from my employer today, and the frustration from this situation motivated me to participate in Karen Schwartz’s prompt. Thanks, Karen, for providing a space for me to vent.

This marks my first and likely only rant post. God, it felt incredibly good!

You can also participate in other prompts here:

Thank you for journeying your time through these words. If you’d like to show support, you can leave a tip below (next to the subscribe button) or you can buy me a coffee here. Wishing you safety and warmth!

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chel writes
the Challenged

write articles and personal thoughts. publish drafts regularly. sometimes in english or indonesian :)