Does multi-tasking really work?

Does multi-tasking really work?

Edward Hallowell (Psychiatrist, Author) gives expert video advice on: Why should I learn to say 'no'?; Won't everything fall apart if I slow down?; Will organization help me lead a more balanced life? and more...

Multi-tasking is a myth. You cannot pay attention to two tasks simultaneously. You can have your heartbeat and walk simultaneously but that doesn't take your conscious attention. You can't read two books simultaneously. What we really mean by multi-tasking is switching from one task to the next in rapid succession. And it impairs your performance. Just as reading two books while reading page 2 and reading page 3, you'll get confused which book was telling you what. You can do it but it's stupid to. You're much better off reading one book and then read the next book.