It Also Affects Brain Health
Take this two-minute test and see why you should stop multitasking and start focusing on one task at a time.
So, you think you’re good at multitasking? You can talk on the phone, draft an email, and schedule a dentist appointment simultaneously? Impressive. Except—you can’t. Not efficiently, at least.
Many people proudly claim to be master multitaskers. The reality? It’s not a skill worth boasting about. Science consistently proves that focusing on one task at a time leads to higher efficiency and better results. Need proof? Try this simple exercise.
The Productivity Test
Equipment You’ll Need:
- A pen or pencil
- A piece of paper
- A timer or stopwatch
- Your brain (distraction-free)
Step 1: Single-Tasking
- Start your timer.
- Write the letters of the alphabet in order (A-Z) as quickly as possible.
- Next, write the numbers 1-26 in order.
- Stop your timer and record your total time.
Step 2: Multitasking
- Reset your timer.
- This time, alternate between letters and numbers. Write ‘A,’ then ‘1,’ ‘B,’ then ‘2,’ and continue this pattern until you reach ‘Z’ and ‘26.’
- Stop your timer and record your time.
How Did You Do?
Step 1 was significantly faster, wasn’t it? Of course. That’s because your brain isn’t designed to rapidly switch between tasks. Multitasking forces your brain to shift gears constantly, which slows you down and increases errors. In short, what feels like efficiency is actually wasted time.
The Science of Focus
A decade of research shows that heavy multitaskers have reduced memory and cognitive function. Clifford Nass, a psychology professor at Stanford University, found that chronic multitasking not only wastes time but also diminishes concentration and creativity. In a world of endless emails and notifications, the ability to focus is becoming a competitive advantage. So, do yourself a favor—stop multitasking and start doing things right.
I manage PlannedGiving.com, MajorGifts.com, and Philanthropy.org. These aren’t small side projects—they are major platforms serving the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors. Managing them successfully requires intense focus, strategic thinking, and the discipline to avoid distractions.
Every morning, I wake up at 5 AM, long before the world starts sending me emails, texts, and unnecessary distractions. I take the first part of my day to review my plans, assess my goals, and ensure I’m moving in the right direction. This is not about being “busy”—it’s about being effective. There is a crucial difference. Busy people are constantly reacting. Effective people are in control.
I do not check emails first thing in the morning. Why? Because emails are other people’s agendas, not mine. The moment you start your day by checking email, you hand over control of your time to other people’s demands. Instead, I begin my day by focusing on my most important projects—high-level tasks that drive real results.
There’s a reason why high achievers—CEOs, top executives, and thought leaders—prioritize deep work. Multitasking is an illusion. It creates the false sense that you are getting more done when, in reality, it’s making you slower, less creative, and more prone to mistakes. The real secret to productivity is monotasking—working with singular, undivided attention.
One of my key strategies is time blocking. I set aside dedicated blocks of time for deep work, free from interruptions. During these sessions, my phone is off, emails are ignored, and my focus is absolute. This is when I make the biggest breakthroughs—whether it’s refining a business strategy, developing new content, or working on high-value partnerships. If I allowed myself to be interrupted every 10 minutes, none of this would get done.
My approach to focus extends beyond just my own work. At PlannedGiving.com, MajorGifts.com, and Philanthropy.org, I encourage my team to adopt the same mindset. We are not a company that glorifies busyness. We value results. Meetings are kept short and to the point. Emails are written with clarity so they don’t require unnecessary back-and-forths. Our goal is to move the needle, not just shuffle papers.
For anyone looking to build something meaningful—whether it’s a business, a nonprofit, or a personal project—understanding the power of deep focus is crucial. The world is full of distractions, and most people fall into the trap of constant context-switching, responding to notifications, and chasing low-value tasks. But the most successful people in any industry know that real progress happens when you eliminate the noise and do the hard, focused work that others avoid.
I don’t chase every opportunity that comes my way. I evaluate what truly aligns with my business vision and discard what doesn’t. This ability to focus—on the right projects, the right clients, and the right partnerships—has been the single most valuable skill in growing my businesses.
At the end of the day, multitasking is the enemy of excellence. The people who master the ability to focus will always outperform those who chase distractions. This is not just about getting things done—it’s about getting the right things done.
So, if you’re looking to build something meaningful, start by taking control of your focus. Set clear priorities, eliminate distractions, and commit to deep work. It’s not always easy, but it’s the surest path to long-term success.
— Viken Mikaelian
