Are you an enthusiastic multitasker? Carlos Alós-Ferrer’s The Power of Single-Tasking presents a compelling, neuroscience-backed argument against doing multiple things at once—and I mostly agree, especially when it comes to trying to handle everything simultaneously. Our brains simply aren’t built for that.
But after decades of working with brilliant, overwhelmed learners, busy professionals, and caring parents, I’ve learned this: life rarely arrives one tidy task at a time. For people with learning, attention, or executive function challenges, it can feel more like juggling spaghetti.
So instead of urging people to “just focus on one thing,” I teach strategies that look like multitasking—but without burning out the brain and body. The truth is: you can do more than one thing. Just not all the things, and not all at once.
Rewriting the Multitasking Myth
I see it often—creative, capable people labeled as “disorganized” or “bad at time management” when the issue is really about navigating the complex way their attention, motivation, and regulation systems function. Simplifying this into “just focus” creates shame. Personalizing it creates possibility.
Neuroscience gives us helpful insights, but it often misses how emotion lingers in the body, how memory is shaped by experience, or how things like posture, chemistry, and context influence performance. You can’t flip a switch in your prefrontal cortex—but you can design systems that work with how you experience the world.
So let’s not toss multitasking in the trash. Let’s reinvent it.
1. Build Flexible Scaffolds, Not Rigid Schedules
When executive function is compromised, shifting gears, remembering steps, or getting started becomes harder. That’s where external structure comes in—it supports follow-through by reducing reliance on memory and willpower.
What’s a scaffold?
It’s a supportive framework that helps you start, continue, and finish—without locking you into an unrealistic plan. Think construction, not constraint.
Try this:
-
Start with a Minimum Viable Task.
When motivation is low, shrink the task. “Write the report” becomes “Open the doc and write one sentence.” It’s not about tricking yourself—it’s about lowering the friction of starting. -
Timebox with Kindness.
Set short, forgiving work sprints (10–20 minutes). You might keep going—or not. Either way, you’ve moved forward. -
Use Progress Cues, Not Perfection Traps.
Skip the fancy systems. Use simple tools like checklists or progress bars. The goal isn’t pretty—it’s done.
This isn’t multitasking—it’s cognitive choreography.
2. Stack Habits to Reduce Friction
Habit stacking is one of the most powerful ways to get started without relying on willpower.
Instead of saying, “I’ll write the report,” try:
- Play focus music (instrumental)
- Open the document
- Set a 10-minute timer
- Write one sentence
Each micro-action naturally leads to the next. You’re not doing more—you’re thinking less about what comes next. That’s how momentum builds.
3. Automate What You Can’t Afford to Remember
When used intentionally, technology can support—not sabotage—focus.
Here’s what I teach clients to automate:
- Calendar alerts that protect focus (not interrupt it)
- Email templates and saved replies to reduce decision fatigue
- Reminders after a task begins—not just before
Automation offloads your working memory so your brain can focus on creative, emotional, or strategic tasks.
Do Less by Doing Differently
Focused, single-tasking blocks absolutely have their place—and I teach those, too. But let’s be real: not everyone has access to quiet workspaces, uninterrupted hours, or neurotypical brain wiring.
For many of my clients, structured multitasking—rooted in strengths and supported by systems—is the difference between spinning wheels and gaining traction.
So no, I don’t believe you have to “do just one thing at a time.”
I believe you can design a day your brain can actually handle and enjoy.
And yes—that is absolutely possible.
If you’re ready to structure your time, stack helpful habits, and build systems that align with your biology, values, and lived experience—I’d love to help you get started.
Beat Procrastination | Build Momentum | Deliver Results
Let’s build something that works—with your whole self in mind.
