The Sunday Draft

Managing multiple responsibilities—especially as we move up the professional ladder—can feel like second nature. After all, isn’t that what’s expected of us? To switch gears effortlessly, stay on top of everything, and make it all look seamless?

And yet, research tells us something quite different.

Only 2.5% of people can actually multitask effectively. Just 2.5%. Surprising, isn’t it? Especially given how often multitasking is framed as a badge of honour in the corporate world.

But if we pause and listen closely, the world has always whispered a different truth:

• Don’t use your phone while driving.
• Don’t speak while eating.
• Don’t keep the television on while studying.

All simple reminders pointing to one age-old principle: Focus on one thing at a time.

So why do the expectations seem to shift once we step into our professional roles? Why are we, as adults—and often as leaders—expected to do everything, everywhere, all at once?

The reality is more nuanced.

What’s often labelled as “multitasking” in modern workspaces is less about doing ten things simultaneously, and more about balancing thoughtfully between multiple roles, conversations, and priorities. And that distinction matters.

Multitasking, as it’s popularly understood, is often a well-intentioned but misplaced approach to achieving balance.

So, what helps instead?

Here are three gentle shifts that have worked well for me:

1. Let go of procrastination

Most of the anxiety we experience while juggling responsibilities stems from things left undone—usually not because we’re incapable, but because we delay. While firefighting might give the illusion of productivity, it’s not a sustainable rhythm. Our value doesn’t lie in how fast we can put out fires—but in how thoughtfully we can build systems that don’t need them.

2. Embrace deep, undistracted focus

It’s not easy to focus in a world that demands constant availability. But focus is a muscle. The more we practice it, the stronger it becomes. I’ve learned to approach each task with full presence—as if it were the only thing that mattered. In that moment, it is. That depth of attention brings clarity, creativity, and eventually, calm.

3. Pause to celebrate small wins

In our rush to do more, we often forget to acknowledge how far we’ve come. Celebrating progress—even quiet, personal victories—reinforces self-trust. It offers a gentle breath between the demands. And it reminds us that achievement isn’t always loud—it can be still, steady, and deeply fulfilling.

And finally, there’s this timeless wisdom I hold close:

“A change of work is the best rest.”

We don’t always need to stop to recharge. Sometimes, just shifting gears—moving from the analytical to the creative, from external calls to internal thinking—can offer its own kind of renewal. Thoughtfully alternating the nature of our work can help us stay energized, even when the pace is high.

So no, we don’t need to do it all at once.

We simply need to do what matters, with clarity, care, and grace.

Until next time,
Take care—and be kind to yourself.