Mindless multitasking: a dummy’s guide to productivity
summary
Claim: habitual context switching shaves off about 40% of time on tasks, backed by a Myers et al study. Concrete fixes tested: turn off Slack and email, block 60–90 minute focus windows, make action‑oriented to‑do items, delegate routine work, and set calendar defaults to shorten meetings. A one‑minute breathing routine and a month of yoga training both reduce stress; antidepressants worsened symptoms for one case. Evernote and Basecamp are cited for notes and client comms.
AI-written summary · about
chapters (9)
- 0:00Start
- 0:12Introductions
- 1:39What Is Multitasking
- 11:40Delegate
- 12:51Ways To Reduce Your Stress
- 13:16Set a Benchmark for a Break
- 14:08Hydration
- 14:25Remembering To Laugh More
- 19:12How Do I Deal with Back-to-Back Meetings
related talks
01h 01mThe Multitasking Way Forward: Strategies for Success
20mMultitasking for Mortals - How to Stop Multitasking and Start Getting Things Done
55mZen-Driven Development - Protect Your Sanity
16mFocus? Why Do I Need More Stinkin' Focus?
44mKeynote - Focus (or Stop Starting, Start Finishing)
31mOptimize Your Mindset (Without Overclocking)
59mHacking your work life __ balance to take over the world
53mDeep Work - Distractionless Working in a Stressful Environment