We Aren’t Made For Multitasking

Taking a step back to focus on what matters most

The modern world rewards productivity. Sometimes it seems like the world is built on ways to keep us busy and never-ending tasks. Packed schedules, emails, phone calls, meetings, and responsibilities. There is an expectation that you do it all. And you are welcome to complain, but there is an unspoken expectation that you continue to pack your schedule, divide your attention, and stay productive despite how difficult and unnatural it feels.

I don't know anyone who is truly successful at doing everything all at once at the same level of energy. Something always ends up with less attention. Many of us are really trying to make sure it isn’t our families or loved ones that get left behind. 

Here’s the thing, life gets so busy that we don’t even know how to manage everything. And yet, somehow, we figure it out. We find a way to balance all the responsibilities, necessities, obligations, and still find time for hobbies, self-care, and social activities here and there.

The problem?

You weren’t made to multitask this way. 

That is not a reflection of you, your abilities, or your value. We only have so much energy to expend day to day. When we are overwhelmed by life’s ever-mounting demands, it becomes difficult to effectively apply that energy to every single thing. What usually happens is something gets left behind. We make mistakes, forget things, or simply don’t perform as well as we know we could.

If we are spreading our limited time, attention, and energy across so many different things every day… then it goes to reason that none of those things actually benefit from their slice of the pie. So often I have heard from clients that they struggle to feel like they have done anything well when their attention is split in too many directions all at once.

So what do we do about it?

Prioritize. 

What is necessary? What is fulfilling? What brings you joy? 

Not everything needs to be prioritized consistently… and that is actually the whole point! There are times we need to focus on work. Other times we need to focus on family. Times where friendships are the priority. Times when alone time, self-care, and the opportunity to reset and recharge matter most. 

Recognizing which time you are presently in, and what deserves your energy most right now, is the first step towards giving that thing the attention it actually deserves.

Put One Thing Down. 

Once you have evaluated your priorities, choose to set (at least) one thing aside for now. 

You can’t do it all. It is not possible to give the appropriate amount of time, energy, and focus to every single thing when you have all of them laid out in front of you at once. Prioritizing, setting things aside, and choosing how you spend that energy enables you to be more effective in the moment so you can return to those other priorities later with the same energy you gave the one you’ve chosen to attend to today. 

By choosing to set something aside, you are choosing to respect that responsibility (and yourself) enough to not push through with a half-hearted attempt at productivity, but rather waiting until you have your full energy and attention to give. 

Balance. 

Remember that life is all about balance. Let’s not confuse balance with giving every single thing equal weight at all times when it is more accurately described as an intentional application of your energy. Choosing where to place your attention so you can prioritize the different aspects of your life throughout your different seasons.

Even when work is the major priority, it can still be possible to schedule in social time, family time, hobbies, and moments of joy throughout your week… by setting boundaries and holding yourself accountable to them. What is not possible, is holding every single priority at the same level all at once.

Shifting focus, energy, and attention throughout the day, week, months, and even years is a skill. One that takes practice.. that you will grow into with time. A skill that gets easier the more you give yourself permission to stop trying to do every single thing all at once!

You are incredible. You have tried the multitasking thing. It isn’t working.

You were not built to do it all simultaneously. 

But, you are absolutely capable of doing what matters most, as fully and effectively as possible, one thing at a time.

About The Author

Amanda Marshall, Ph.D., NCSP

Dr. Marshall is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist, and the founder of Inspire Psychology, a private psychology practice serving adolescents, adults, and families across New Jersey, New York, and PSYPACT participating jurisdictions. She specializes in neurodivergent experiences, executive functioning, learning differences, anxiety, depression, OCD, and life transitions. Her approach is grounded in acceptance — helping people understand their own minds with curiosity rather than judgment. If something here resonated, you can learn more or schedule a free 15-minute consultation at inspirepsycnj.com