Multitasking: When to Do It, When (and How) to Avoid It

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  • Опубліковано 10 лют 2018
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 302

  • @Chejos25
    @Chejos25 6 років тому +75

    00:55 Multi-Tasking does exist, what doesn't exist is Multi-Focus
    1:57 The human mind is not designed to switch back and forth between tasks quickly
    2:11 Cognitive Switching Penalty
    2:50 Commit to a single target of focus will make you more effective in the long run
    Avoid temptation
    3:04 Use iPad to write, just write
    4:17 Use apps like Cold Turkey Writer
    4:28 The key is to lock down your options
    Multitasking can be useful.. sometimes
    4:36 Neither the task you are doing requires intense concentration, or you've mastered to the point it's essentially muscle memory
    5:20 You want to background process something in your head
    5:30 Two different modes of processing. Focused mode and Defused mode
    6:05 RECAP

  • @fakenamefakesurname5005
    @fakenamefakesurname5005 6 років тому +64

    I haven't seen the whole video yet but when he said "multitasking does exist but what doesn't exist is multifocus" i was instantly mindblowed

  • @Historylover8
    @Historylover8 6 років тому +176

    I have this major issue of working on schoolwork then having a thought pop into my mind like "I wonder if the price on that camera has dropped" then I find myself researching that on the web then I'll go back to work. I'll do this multiple times with various things. Does anyone else struggle with this and intense focus?

    • @mega1chiken6dancr9
      @mega1chiken6dancr9 6 років тому +22

      lol yea im always jumping around when studying its fucking annoying. when I have some sort of test tomorrow and im studying all of a sudden I wanna know what temperature it is in canada or something/. i've stopped a lot but it's always there

    • @Historylover8
      @Historylover8 6 років тому

      Lin Lin Towns The temperature in Canada! Ha! Sounds just like me

    • @Thomasfrank
      @Thomasfrank  6 років тому +53

      Yep, I deal with this problem too - except when I give into that temptation, I'll probably spend an hour researching 5 other cameras. Using those website blockers helps a lot. Another helpful trick is asking myself, "What's the roughest way you could do the next step?". For example, if I'm writing a script, I'll usually get the urge to go distract myself when I need to write a joke or research something. My brain resists doing those things, so the answer is "Write a really crappy joke and then come back and fix it later," or "Write what you know now in [brackets], then do a research phase later".

    • @Historylover8
      @Historylover8 6 років тому +6

      Thomas Frank That’s a great way to think about it. I’m going to start installing the blockers as well and possibly write down some of the thoughts that pop up so I can get to them later.

    • @sejalb725
      @sejalb725 6 років тому +4

      Thomas Frank But Thomas, how can I block out my brain! When I study, my mind wanders like crazy

  • @grrrgrl101
    @grrrgrl101 6 років тому +54

    The video I didn't know I needed. This is an awesome video to add to the discussion of this topic, thanks!

  • @Thomasfrank
    @Thomasfrank  6 років тому +3

    I'm (very) inconsistent about when I stream, but you can follow my Twitch here: www.twitch.tv/thomasfrank
    Occasionally I stream here on UA-cam as well, but I like using Twitch for more casual streams.

  • @octopusgold
    @octopusgold 6 років тому +2

    really appreciate how much work you put into your videos!! truly unique and awesome and RESOURCEFUL videos unlike any other study/productivity videos on youtube. keep it up!!

  • @stoicfloor
    @stoicfloor 6 років тому +1

    The quality of your videos has truly stepped up to another level. Great editing!

  • @epson1972
    @epson1972 6 років тому

    I just wanted to say that I have been following your channel for a while and it is great to see how you have evolved in the content and how you are expanding into other topics.
    Thanks for the tips.

  • @IsaacBlencowe
    @IsaacBlencowe 6 років тому +5

    Fantastic video as always Tom. I love the way you use humour and analogies in your videos. It always keeps me engaged! Your personality and video quality is what helped inspire me to start a channel of my own. So thanks for that :)

  • @CKTDanny
    @CKTDanny 6 років тому +19

    You're killing it with these new videos!! 1 million subs soon :)

  • @OmarEl-Aasar
    @OmarEl-Aasar 6 років тому

    At last some quality video from you again, and I'm still waitin' for your next book EAGERLY

  • @siegfriedderheld7806
    @siegfriedderheld7806 6 років тому

    Congratulations on getting close to a million subscribers. I’m a 64 year-old university professor, but I wish I had your channel 50 years ago when I was struggling in school and needed to learn how to study. Your explanation of human cognition for your audience is amazing. Thanks for your work! Now, let’s get this channel over 1 million! Mike

  • @abhishekanshuwali3808
    @abhishekanshuwali3808 2 роки тому

    He gives the most practical advises for boosting productivity. Loving your channel videos

  • @lucasmoreira3237
    @lucasmoreira3237 6 років тому +1

    Your videos are amazing, getting better and better. Thanks a lot.

  • @ishwaryasundar2835
    @ishwaryasundar2835 6 років тому

    Very useful video. I really love this channel cuz its so helpful & educational unlike other channels. Keep up the good work thomas👍🏻

  • @amoghpai8121
    @amoghpai8121 6 років тому

    when i watch your videos i just get motivated enough to start with my work and not waste time !!! Love your videos Thomas..

  • @vidishappadoo
    @vidishappadoo 6 років тому

    Keep up the great work you both Thomas and Martin.. Productivity Gurus.. All your videos have been really helpful up till now :)

  • @jahighansam5444
    @jahighansam5444 6 років тому +9

    YOOOO I was just about to start work and then this man pops up :v... lol on point as usual. Great video

  • @CKTDanny
    @CKTDanny 6 років тому +45

    1:35 Nice RuneScape mention there BTW
    _I'm really tempted to go back to playing that game._

    • @GoogleUser-pf7wb
      @GoogleUser-pf7wb 6 років тому +3

      Donnt doooo eeeettt

    • @wellwhatcanisay4489
      @wellwhatcanisay4489 6 років тому +4

      Don't go back. It's a far shittier game now.

    • @CKTDanny
      @CKTDanny 6 років тому

      Yeah, Old School is pretty great. I've been on-and-off of it, mostly I've been inactive but I almost finished all the quests the last time I was on, which was over a year ago.

    • @maskedbusiness2080
      @maskedbusiness2080 6 років тому

      Resist ... must resist

    • @javierferrari135
      @javierferrari135 6 років тому

      We have to let it go :(

  • @josephmordecai6237
    @josephmordecai6237 6 років тому +1

    Great advice!
    Thanks for posting

  • @42000670
    @42000670 6 років тому

    This is so cool man! Really helpfull

  • @gauravdeep
    @gauravdeep 6 років тому +10

    I was thinking about you and you're here. Mind-reading is the new skill you have, master. 😂

  • @noelp8389
    @noelp8389 6 років тому

    wow Thomas,your channel has grown like a lot! congratulations!!

  • @aneebamalik1102
    @aneebamalik1102 6 років тому

    You are a true inspiration !

  • @habibaqaid2622
    @habibaqaid2622 6 років тому

    Great video, good job Thomas

  • @priscillaose5772
    @priscillaose5772 6 років тому

    Great video!!

  • @MentalFitness-ThePocketMentor
    @MentalFitness-ThePocketMentor 6 років тому

    Thanks Thomas! Great video busting the myths of multitasking :)

  • @softened935
    @softened935 6 років тому +26

    Timing is perfect, I'm trying to do my homework while watching UA-cam. LOL 😂

    • @softened935
      @softened935 6 років тому +1

      I just realized this is about computers. XD For me, multitasking is a must for writing. Copying quotes and referencing materials is just so much easier.

    • @Thomasfrank
      @Thomasfrank  6 років тому +9

      Just don't fall into the trap of thinking "writing" is one task. I find that it's almost always helpful to do a brainstorming phase where I'll just write whatever I know about the topic (or list questions I have) for 20 minutes or so, and I do it before doing any research. That brainstorming phase doesn't require any multitasking, and it can really help to guide your research later on.
      But yeah - during research, multiple windows (and monitors) are always helpful :)

  • @yousaydamian
    @yousaydamian 4 роки тому

    I watch this video multiple times, and it's still helpful through these days (most of the time this is just a reminder for me) ty for this explanation. :)

  • @earie5403
    @earie5403 6 років тому

    I always laugh so hard when I watch your videos & I learn something! Thr best combo!

  • @reallykuro6633
    @reallykuro6633 6 років тому

    Thank you for this amazing information, I have discovered some crazy new things about myself :)

  • @cagilyetis2531
    @cagilyetis2531 6 років тому

    Thank you for your effort. What i learned from this video was so important for me. It's a commen problem, we do all strugle. I hope that I can devote myself to my goal by focusing on just one task. You know the way to tell people things effectively...

  • @opportunityseeker711
    @opportunityseeker711 6 років тому

    Very informative video and I really liked how you presented it.

  • @1Samanthina
    @1Samanthina 6 років тому

    Great video! I like your room :)

  • @liliacurbelo3761
    @liliacurbelo3761 6 років тому

    I am really bad at not multitasking, most of the time I do it without noticing...some great tips in this video to help with that! BTW, I have saved some of your videos to my "motivation" playlist, I usually play them while organizing my desk before I start to work, and they really help me get into it with a much better disposition. so, thanks!

  • @Sarah-zj3sl
    @Sarah-zj3sl 6 років тому

    Love your videos :)

  • @maksimkrotov5587
    @maksimkrotov5587 6 років тому

    Love the "I need a hero" on the background. That's just how I feel when doing all this.

  • @sweetisammu
    @sweetisammu 6 років тому

    Thanks for the valuable information Thomas :) God bless

  • @cheyennebarton
    @cheyennebarton 6 років тому

    Thank you thank you THANK YOU for this video. I wonder why I feel busy all day and wind up with almost nothing done.

  • @henryduong4728
    @henryduong4728 6 років тому

    How come you are so great? You are my inspiration.

  • @dexjeloo3489
    @dexjeloo3489 6 років тому

    Great video, like always. Your diction is awesome. Could you make a video about learning different subjects at the same day: languages and Math, Pharmacy and Literature?

  • @hamedmohamed8594
    @hamedmohamed8594 6 років тому

    so I'm going to follow your book and videos till finals
    and if i get a good grades i will follow you next year in university..
    have a nice day

  • @Eiilemaa
    @Eiilemaa 6 років тому

    wow that was an especially good one, thank you (y) (I'm talking more particularly about the utility of the diffused mode)

  • @betty3910
    @betty3910 6 років тому

    Your videos are just amazing ... great job 👌

  • @parkercorso1450
    @parkercorso1450 6 років тому

    I really like when you have skits in your videos and hope you put them in future videos.

  • @judahrivera5862
    @judahrivera5862 6 років тому +3

    Nice! I will about to sleep but there's new video hihihi🙌

  • @brycejn
    @brycejn 6 років тому

    I just made a video about this a few weeks ago! I mostly covered the reasons side of things, but as always I really liked your practical tips at the end. Great stuff Thomas!

    • @Thomasfrank
      @Thomasfrank  6 років тому

      That video was really good. Keep making stuff.

    • @brycejn
      @brycejn 6 років тому

      Thanks man! Just saw your comment on my video. Means a lot!

  • @feihyme7898
    @feihyme7898 6 років тому

    This is what I needed!

  • @SeanCarchidiismrcarchidi
    @SeanCarchidiismrcarchidi 5 років тому

    Once again - a spot on video to show the high school students. Thank you

  • @fsgjafgja
    @fsgjafgja 6 років тому

    Wish I found out about your channel earlier! Subscribed!

  • @jarnailbhullar6857
    @jarnailbhullar6857 6 років тому

    Love your videos broo

  • @theylovemahj4419
    @theylovemahj4419 5 років тому

    Think you for helping me with my paper about multi tasking

  • @gabrielsauvage2557
    @gabrielsauvage2557 6 років тому +6

    Do you consider studying while listening to radio multitasking ?
    And Keep up the good work man your videos are well explained and you talk well enough so that foreigners like me (I'm French) can understand perfectly !

    • @Thomasfrank
      @Thomasfrank  6 років тому +4

      Music is a tricky one. For me, I work BETTER with music - as long as it's the right music. Can't have lyrics, and needs to be relatively calm. Some people can't work with music at all.
      Here's my study playlist if you'd like to test it: ua-cam.com/play/PLx65qkgCWNJIs3FPaj8JZhduXSpQ_ZfvL.html

    • @gabrielsauvage2557
      @gabrielsauvage2557 6 років тому

      Thomas Frank thanx I'll check it out

  • @riderfromthewest
    @riderfromthewest 6 років тому

    Great video!!!! Thanks!!

  • @d.khisty880
    @d.khisty880 6 років тому

    It's nice that he does these small skits

  • @vjs5697
    @vjs5697 6 років тому

    I had a mind for numbers next to me while you were talking about it!

  • @nabeast1980
    @nabeast1980 6 років тому

    Another good analogy I like to use for multi-focus are USB hubs that add more USB ports to computer. Even though you can connect more devices, there’s still only one line to your computer so it constantly switches between the devices but does it so fast that we can’t notice it switching.

  • @jarnailbhullar6857
    @jarnailbhullar6857 6 років тому

    Your video are getting better every day! Or every video)

  • @cesaraguirre8622
    @cesaraguirre8622 6 років тому

    Great video! I’m currently using the Forest app the lock my phone and it keeps track of how many hours I’m productive!

  • @scouser_garfieldsha9955
    @scouser_garfieldsha9955 6 років тому

    Yay I am here before 50 views. Btw almost went to bed when I saw the notification, that didn't happen. So glad.

  • @AbigailPoirier
    @AbigailPoirier 6 років тому

    Watching this while crocheting...that's a good use of multitasking, I think!

  • @gurbakshsingh685
    @gurbakshsingh685 6 років тому

    Thnx dude !

  • @Jay_Script
    @Jay_Script 6 років тому

    Thanks man you really help me get through high school :) and so far I got all A's!

  • @andrewschultz6608
    @andrewschultz6608 6 років тому

    I find going to the library to write down/interpret notes helps as well. This is one case when lousy old Internet Explorer works well. It starts spinning if I open too many tabs, and also, I have a time limit for getting stuff done. So it works well for me.
    I could do this at home, too, but it's trickier. The forced limitations can be a big help.

  • @TheDebarghya09
    @TheDebarghya09 6 років тому

    Very good tips indeed, though I would like to point out that training our mind to have focus works way better than restricting things in our surroundings.

  • @robinamunduru8420
    @robinamunduru8420 5 років тому

    watched full video, satisfied with multitasking being an integral part of life with digital tech

  • @jeroenritmeester73
    @jeroenritmeester73 6 років тому +7

    Hey there, I came here from your video about Elon Musk. I noticed that basically every single one of your about 20 last videos were interesting to me. New sub, hooray! Random question: what camera and what lens do you shoot this with. Love the DOF!

    • @Thomasfrank
      @Thomasfrank  6 років тому +5

      Thanks!
      I use a Canon 70D and the Sigma 18-35 Art lens that every tech UA-camr loves (for good reason)

  • @markdelacruz8389
    @markdelacruz8389 6 років тому

    Just found you this year but you already help me hope you can get to 1 mil subs

  • @sandoubg8434
    @sandoubg8434 6 років тому

    Hey Thomas, I really love your Videos. Which Video Programm do you use?

  • @fredymendez3864
    @fredymendez3864 6 років тому

    This has been mentioned in Barbara oakley book a mind for numbers thanks for the book recommendation I enjoyed it!

    • @fredymendez3864
      @fredymendez3864 6 років тому

      I wrote this before I saw that you mentioned the book lol

  • @AustinGlubay
    @AustinGlubay 6 років тому

    Nice Roketbook!

  • @jeremiebasilio8866
    @jeremiebasilio8866 6 років тому

    You’re looking good Sir!💪✌️

  • @clarkeleo
    @clarkeleo 6 років тому

    I bought an ipad pro last August, and I love it for productivity. It’s efficient for multi tasking, but not too efficient that I’ll never focus on my task at hand.
    Please do an updated what’s in my bag! Esp with the ipad pro!!

  • @codywilliams5029
    @codywilliams5029 6 років тому

    Hi Thomas, I have a video suggestion I would like to share. I think a video on techniques to overcome / minimise working memory difficulties while studying could be really helpful to a heap of people.
    Gee I need to work on this whole suggesting thing...

  • @briantobias9212
    @briantobias9212 6 років тому +23

    I'm multi tasking right now 😜

    • @jettoaji646
      @jettoaji646 6 років тому +1

      Brian Tobias corr you’re a cheeky one Brian

    • @Quantowski
      @Quantowski 6 років тому +1

      Sitting on the toilet doesn't count ;)

  • @lefactuoscope5692
    @lefactuoscope5692 6 років тому

    I read "A Mind for Numbers" a few weeks ago. This book was very interesting.

  • @iGenius98
    @iGenius98 6 років тому

    Just finished A Mind for Numbers a few minutes ago. Great book 😁

  • @ILoveCreativity
    @ILoveCreativity 6 років тому +9

    Thanks for the video Thomas. Here is the thought, If multitasking is impossible then how our brain handles multiple stuff all at once like processing images captured by our eyes with breathing, listening and walking simultaneously and also reacting if something bites at the moment.

    • @Thomasfrank
      @Thomasfrank  6 років тому +26

      All of those things use instinct and unconscious parts of the brain. It’s another good illustration of “multi-tasking does exist, but multi-focus doesn’t” - you don’t have to focus on any of those things. Your unconscious mind takes care of them. But things that require focus from the prefrontal cortex require single-tasking.

    • @lilapanic618
      @lilapanic618 6 років тому +3

      That's an undirect burn lmao

    • @QuesoCookies
      @QuesoCookies 6 років тому +12

      Put more simply: your brain has multiple cores for other processes, but only one is dedicated to focus.

    • @ILoveCreativity
      @ILoveCreativity 6 років тому

      Thanks :)

    • @ardanur6189
      @ardanur6189 6 років тому

      burn

  • @QuesoCookies
    @QuesoCookies 6 років тому

    This is something I meant to comment on in your intense focus video: don't work past the break period of your pomodoro timer. You suggested increasing the focus time longer and longer as you got better at focusing, but there are a ton of benefits to taking those regular breaks, mainly allowing yourself to step back and evaluate your work. While focus is fantastic for work, it's a killer of creativity. Creative thoughts happen during moments of unfocused thoughts and relaxation (which is why you have so many good ideas in the shower), so you can save a lot of time you might spend backtracking and revising if you don't put off breaks and periodically evaluate where your work is progressing and getting it more right the first time through. The second most important part of taking periodic breaks, especially if you're working at a computer, is to give your eyes a break. Whenever you take a break, focus your eyes on something in the distant horizon, the further away the better. This helps prevent eyestrain and the distracting headaches that go with them.

  • @leowendt9965
    @leowendt9965 6 років тому

    Awesome Video

  • @xjacarandaxx
    @xjacarandaxx 6 років тому

    Finally
    Every time I hear someone saying that it is impossible to multitask I think in a lot of times I can do two things at the same time like doing my workout and listening to a podcast.
    I agree that in most times it is not productive, but sometimes i can save a lot of time doing two things rather than just one

  • @thebrucecyou
    @thebrucecyou 6 років тому

    Omg you almost have 1 mil subs!!

  • @daniellete9049
    @daniellete9049 6 років тому

    Hey Tom! Love your videos, they have helped me big time. I was wondering if you’ve ever read The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin, it’s a fantastic book that I think you would like very much and I’d love it if you could make a video about it someday. Thanks for the great work man

  • @t32prod.98
    @t32prod.98 6 років тому +2

    as a freshman in high school I'm trying to adopt these habits, behaviors, skills, etc. so I can be well prepared for college, I've always wondered however when I made my calendar I've always scheduled for the whole week in months advance a rough outline per say, wake up-6 blah blah first round of homework-4-5 etc. do you recommend this or do you think it's better to plan the days out on the weekly plan day as you mentioned in a previous video?

  • @iosonoguerra
    @iosonoguerra 4 роки тому +1

    Sometimes I'm forced to multitasking and I can see that is so ineffective but I have no alternative

  • @andreylinchenko
    @andreylinchenko 6 років тому

    thanks for the video it helped me a lot I want to ask are you a computer programmer?

  • @alibeckford4705
    @alibeckford4705 6 років тому

    This is my greatest weakness.... Thank you for talking about it.

  • @gopithind879
    @gopithind879 6 років тому

    really your videos very benefical for me. thanks Bro. In Future I want meet you sir

  • @maschafestival
    @maschafestival 6 років тому

    There is so much more to learn about the human brain than simply framing it relative to the computer so for anyone interested in this topic I highly recommend the book How We Learn by Benedict Carey. After that The Brain That Changes Itself.

  • @AGalassi1900
    @AGalassi1900 6 років тому +1

    Is that the Rocketbook Everlast at 4:14? I have one of those too haha

  • @DanielH-po4ur
    @DanielH-po4ur 6 років тому +2

    Beard game strong 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @naumikukreti4180
    @naumikukreti4180 6 років тому

    Namaste! All the way from India.
    I have been a regular viewer, appreciate the information and content of your videos they are direct and fruitful always. Thoroughly enjoy.
    A keen request, if you can guide on how not to get diverted or the routine should be followed as I have recently shifted back with my parents, left my job to study for a very different profession. It's hard for me to keep up with the pace it requires also keeping in mind have 3 months left.
    Thank you.

  • @kage6271
    @kage6271 6 років тому

    ITS ALSO CALLED ATTENTION RESIDUE 2:16.
    I've read it in Deep Work by Cal Newport

  • @rachel1306
    @rachel1306 6 років тому +1

    This was so helpful! How many hours is a good amount to study in a day or for an exam like math? It’s hard to tell sometimes whether I over or under study my material or if I could be doing something more productive.

  • @celsofujimoto
    @celsofujimoto 6 років тому

    Huge fan of your content, I was wondering what is your personality type MBTI, You remind me of a _NF_ , possibly ENFJ.

  • @sunflower-zk4jr
    @sunflower-zk4jr 2 роки тому

    “Tell my mom that I’m coming Wednesday” “Actually October” that cracked me up cause that’s me.

  • @den2335
    @den2335 6 років тому

    I saw you have a Rocketbook ever last. I too own one! They are such great notebooks. Could you do a review on your channel? I found it to be the best notebook for anyone wanting to go digital without giving up the feeling of writing on real paper.

  • @SevenDeMagnus
    @SevenDeMagnus 5 років тому

    Cool. Thanks.

  • @Everyyoueverymiau
    @Everyyoueverymiau 6 років тому

    😂 For me it is also cooking where I realize the most that if I have to concentrate on a new recipe that I can’t listen to other stuff e.g. audio books.

  • @lalalanding234
    @lalalanding234 2 роки тому +1

    Thomas Frank: "...just how much of an old man you've become".
    Old man: "HOW DO YOU DO FELLOW KIDS"