A few years ago a scientific study was released proving women are better multi-taskers than men. Both genders embraced it. Women because it made them feel superior and men, well that’s a topic for another column.
Since then women have proudly taken on more responsibility claiming it’s “no problem.” After all, science says they can “do-it-all” and then some.
Lately, I’ve been feeling there’s something singularly wrong with this multi-tasking theory. Take my own experience. My husband says I have an innate ability to misplace things. When I can’t find something, he jokingly tells me to look in the freezer. Just the other day I realized I had in fact put the peanut butter in the freezer. Why? Because I was multi-tasking: tidying the kitchen, making lunch, talking on the phone and brewing an obviously much-needed coffee.
So is this mythical ability of women to multi-task really just that – a myth?
A little on-line research and I had my conclusive answer: yes and no. Women are better multi-taskers. But, too much multi-tasking has negative impacts on work quality and can lead to short-term memory loss. I was delighted I wasn’t at fault for freezing the peanut butter.
So I’ve added one more thing to my “to-do” list: Stop multi-tasking. I’m tired of this juggling act and think it’s time to trumpet the benefits of single-tasking. And I’ll get right on that, after I book my son’s dentist appointment, unpack groceries, make dinner and clean the bathroom. Now, where did I put the toilet brush?
