I just read a great article in the Harvard Business Journal by Tony Schwartz that covers these four myths and they really resonated with me. The four myths and a short description are:
Myth #1: Multitasking is critical in a world of infinite demand
Removing distractions so we can focus without moving back and forth – mentally – between email and conversations or whatever – is critical to get more things done. Humans don’t really multi-task – we transfer attention quickly which causes mental downtime between the focus items.
Myth #2: A little bit of anxiety helps us perform better
I’m not sure I agree with his thinking on this as a little anxiety helps me focus and work harder, but is probably hard on my health. Tony’s point here is that when we are performing our best, it is when we are reaching for the stars and not running from the big bad wolf.
Myth #3: Creativity is genetically inherited, and it’s impossible to teach
While I agree that we can learn to become more creative as Tony opines, I believe there are different types of creativity and that we all have a “lane” that we are within more or less. I have a friend – David Harto – who is one of the most creative people in the world from the standpoint of envisioning and creating out of nothing. I have no aspirations to his type of creativity, but I have my own way of being creative that he won’t approach. It’s relative, but can be improved.
Myth #4: The best way to get more done is to work longer hours
I believe this one as at the end of a day or week, more hours don’t help as I’m fried. I actively take breaks during the day to re-set and re-focus.
It’s a good article and worth a read here
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