Successful Entrepreneurs Don't Multi-Task

In the hectic world that we live in today, you'll probably think that multi-tasking is a skill to be admired, something that's even necessary! If that's the case, then this article probably isn't for you. True, there are times when there are just too many things to do and multi-tasking seems like the only way to get them done. But for the things that are really crucial, focus and concentration is the name of the game, particularly in business.

A successful entrepreneur doesn't multi-task, and this is a fact!

Definitions first. Multi-tasking is defined as juggling two or more tasks at the same time in an attempt to finish as many tasks as you can in the least amount of time. Simply put, it is man's ability to perform more than one activity at the same time.

A classic example involves writing an e-mail, answering a phone call, sipping your coffee, and "mouth-signaling" your incoming visitor to stay on the couch while you finish the call. That's four tasks all at once. Amazing, right?

Multi-tasking isn't all that bad, especially when the things you're doing do not need any special attention. But you do have to remember that while you're doing all these things, you won't be able to take give critical eye on everything you do. This isn't a good thing for a serious entrepreneur.

What a successful entrepreneur needs is full concentration. Just imagine yourself talking with a customer. It wouldn't be nice on their part if you were talking to them and at the same time doing something else like checking your phone, or reading an e-mail.

The Switching Cost: What it Takes To Switch from One Task to Another

The effect on the human brain of multi-tasking and its effects on productivity have long since been studied by experimental psychologists. Studies have shown that there is a "switching" cost of four minutes to get back to maximum productivity in between switching tasks. Get back to the first example. It will take you approximately sixteen minutes to complete a cycle of multi-tasking with maximum productivity. For a serious entrepreneur, those sixteen minutes is too much to waste.

Knowing that, would you still think that multi-tasking is a good thing for you and your business? True, a serious entrepreneur just has too many things to do, and sometimes 24 hours a day just isn't enough.

Any serious entrepreneur would agree that they are more productive when they finish a task one at a time. Think of the advantages of doing such. You will surely get less stressed out since you have focused all your thoughts on one thing. As you tick off items from your to-do list one by one, you have lesser things on your mind. You know, this could even be the secret to become the most successful and most serious entrepreneur!