The Myth of Multitasking: Why Fewer Priorities Leads to Better Work

The word “priority” originally meant the first and most important thing. For 500 years, it stayed singular.

Then, in the 1900s, we started using “priorities,” pretending multiple things could be the most important.

Multitasking doesn’t work. Sure, you can do two things at once, but you can’t focus on them equally.

Your brain constantly switches tasks, paying a “switching cost” every time you do. Just checking emails can waste a sixth of your time.

Mastery comes from focusing on one thing at a time. I’ve improved by assigning one main task per day—my anchor task—that guides everything else.

Staying busy doesn’t mean you’re doing valuable work.

The key is saying no to distractions and yes to what truly matters. Focus beats busyness every time.