Yep, multi-tasking is a misnomer.

Cognitive scientists have proven that we never truly multi-task.  Instead, we change tasks very quickly.  Unfortunately, information between each change gets dropped, overlooked or under-valued.

This is a person cannot safely drive and text at the same time.  On a more subtle level, task switching also explains a person cannot safely drive and talk to the person in the passenger seat.

Being busy is not the same as being productive

The relationship between productivity and time is not a linear function.  Many people think that multi-tasking guarantees that we get more done, but this time management model is old school.

During the Industrial Revolution over 100 years ago, efficiency experts claimed that if you can make 10 widgets in an hour, you can make 100 in 10 hours.

We now know that this formula doesn’t always work because over time, other factors come into play.  For example, a ten hour shift might cause you to become tired and make mistakes, which would introduce a quality control problem.

Be more productive–take a break

As we get tired, we lose the ability to discriminate and discern. Creativity works best when we have there is a balance between work and rest.

That’s why so many people claim they get there best ideas while they are in the shower or driving home–two other things you shouldn’t do at the same time