Critical Reading Dialogue with the Article
Article Title: Think You're Great at Multitasking? Think Again
Source: Harvard Business Review (HBR)
Excerpt from the Article:
“Most people believe they can juggle several tasks at once without a drop in performance, but research shows that multitasking actually reduces productivity by as much as 40%.”
My Reaction:
A 40% drop is honestly surprising. Looking back, whenever I switch between tabs or check my phone while working, I feel like I’m doing a lot—but in the end, none of the tasks get done efficiently. This statistic really confirms that feeling.
Excerpt:
“Multitasking forces your brain to constantly switch gears, which increases mental fatigue and makes you more prone to errors.”
Note/Question:
At the end of a day filled with Zoom meetings while replying to emails, I often feel completely drained. I guess this is what they mean by "cognitive load"? It makes sense—my focus feels scattered on those days.
Excerpt:
“To improve performance, experts recommend batch-processing tasks and using techniques like the Pomodoro method to stay focused.”
My Response:
I’ve heard of the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break), but I’ve never really used it seriously. It might be worth trying for things like homework or reading sessions. I’d like to try it as a way to stay focused and avoid distractions.
