The Myth of Multitasking and Community Building

We often hear that multitasking is the key to productivity—that if we juggle multiple tasks at once, we’ll accomplish more in less time. But the reality is that multitasking is often just rapid task-switching, leading to distractions, inefficiencies, and a lack of real progress. A Stanford University study found that heavy multitaskers struggle to filter out irrelevant information and take longer to switch between tasks. Other research has shown that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40 percent and increase errors. Instead of trying to do everything at once, a better approach is strategic task management—using waiting periods productively by focusing on secondary tasks that move progress forward.

This principle applies not only to individuals but also to the revitalization of small towns. Many communities face a long list of needs—revamping infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and improving public spaces. When energy is scattered across too many projects without a clear focus, progress can stall. A prime example is Claremont, New Hampshire. While waiting on state funding approvals for large-scale infrastructure upgrades, community leaders shifted their focus to improving local storefronts and launching a community arts initiative. By using that waiting period productively, they created a more inviting downtown environment, attracting new businesses before the larger projects even broke ground.

Newport, New Hampshire, offers another example of making the most of available time and resources. While planning and fundraising for a major new community center, local leaders and volunteers didn’t sit idly by. Instead, they used the waiting period to strengthen local programming, expand recreational opportunities, and engage the community in shaping what the new center would offer. By focusing on what could be done in the meantime, they built momentum and ensured that when the center opened, it was already deeply connected to the community’s needs. This approach demonstrates how small towns can maximize their efforts even when faced with delays.

The “myth of multitasking” applies to everyday life as well. Instead of jumping between tasks or launching multiple projects at once, individuals and communities alike benefit from a more intentional approach. By identifying what truly matters, focusing efforts there, and making steady progress, we achieve better results than when we spread ourselves too thin.

Whether revitalizing a small town or improving personal productivity, the goal isn’t to do more at once—it’s to do the right things, the right way, at the right time. From a community rallying behind a transformative project to an individual prioritizing what truly moves the needle, real success comes from working smarter, not just harder.