88. Background Tasking: A Smarter Approach to Focus

Multitasking feels productive, but the science says otherwise. Every time we switch between tasks, we lose time, accuracy, and energy — up to 40% of it. No wonder so many of us end the day feeling exhausted but not actually accomplished.

In this episode of the Learn and Work Smarter podcast, I dig into why multitasking doesn’t work (even if you think you’re the exception) and share a smarter, science-backed strategy called background tasking. This simple shift can help you stay engaged, reduce resistance to starting hard things, and make progress without burning yourself out.

If you’ve ever tried to study with Netflix on in the background or check emails during a meeting, this one’s for you.

What You Learn:

• Why multitasking is neurologically impossible (and what’s really happening instead)
• The hidden “switch cost” of task switching and how it steals up to 40% of your productive time
• The surprising research on how heavy multitaskers actually perform worse on key cognitive skills
• What background tasking is, how it works, and examples of effective pairings
• When to use background tasking and when not to

Resources Mentioned:

• SchoolHabits University (Parents, go here)
• SchoolHabits University (Students, go here)
• ⭐The College Note-Taking Power System (Brand New Program!)
• Episode 36 How to Stop Procrastinating
• Episode 55 How to Use Body Doubling to Boost Focus
• Episode 68 The Time Management Trap No One Talks About
• Episode 72 How to Finish Unfinished Projects
• Episode 80 How to Do a Work Sprint
• APA Study

✏️Get my $47 Note-Taking Course: collegenotetakingsystem.com

Got your own burning question you'd like me to answer on a future episode? AWESOME! You can submit your questions via the form on my homepage right here.

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