A weekly newsletter with science-based insights on creativity, mindful productivity, better thinking and lifelong learning.
Ness Labs: The Myth of Multitasking 🪩
Edition #166 – Nov 10th, 2022
Single Tasking
Hello friends,
Did you know that the term "multitasking" was originally coined at IBM to refer to computers? Yet, somehow, humans pride themselves in being efficient multitaskers.
We'll reply to a quick email while working on a presentation, chat on the phone while skimming a document, and review an upcoming product launch while listening to a podcast.
The thing is: for humans, multitasking is an illusion. What we're doing should be called multi-switching, and it has a terrible impact on our productivity, our creativity, and our ability to learn.
This week, Dr Hannah England looked into the science of multitasking and how you can make the most of single-tasking. On my side, I have published what I think is one of the thoroughest reviews of the current landscape of AI tools for creative and knowledge work.
If, like me, you spend most of your working time in front of a computer, I hope this week's newsletter helps you examine your relationship with digital work in a new light.
Thank you for reading,
Anne-Laure.
P.S. We had a fantastic start to the Mindful Productivity Masterclass. If you missed the first session, it's not too late to watch the recording and to join us for the second session on Monday next week.
🧠 Brain Food
Single-tasking: the power of focusing on one task at a time (7 min)
Written by Dr Hannah Rose
We are all juggling multiple obligations, roles, and responsibilities across our personal and professional lives. Multitasking seems like it should be the perfect solution when faced with multiple demands and limited time. Doing two things at the same time is faster than doing them one after the other… Right? Well, not really.
AI and I: The Age of Artificial Creativity (14 min)
Written by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Artificial creativity is a new liminal space which will affect the lives of billions of workers in the coming years. If your work involves creative thinking and knowledge management, read this primer on what’s going on with the latest generation of AI tools, and what the future of work looks like in the age of artificial creativity.
Tana: the all-in-one tool for thought? (9 min)
Written by Haikal Kushahrin
Notion, Evernote, and Roam have long been the gold standard for online collaboration and note-taking. However, a new player has emerged that promises to be the all-in-one tool for thought everyone has been waiting for. This tool is called Tana.
🍬 Brain Candy
Little nuggets from my Twitter bookmarks this week. Click on the card to read the full tweet.
✨ Brain Pick
This Black Friday, AppSumo is bringing you some of the hottest software deals for your business at insane prices. You’ll get 10% off already discounted lifetime deals, helping you save up to thousands of dollars a year in subscription fees.
AppSumo is also giving away lifetime access to Zapier, Dropbox, Notion, and Evernote, plus a weekend at Noah Kagan’s house every year for LIFE! Giveaway runs Nov. 1 to Nov. 29. Enter here.
(huge thanks to Appsumo for making this edition possible!)
🤝 Brain Trust
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Invest in your productivity and your mental health. Join the Ness Labs learning community for unlimited access to our online courses and workshops.
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🌊 Brain Waves
If you enjoyed this edition, please share the love with fellow curious minds on Twitter or Whatsapp.
Until next week, take care!
Ness Labs by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
A weekly newsletter with science-based insights on creativity, mindful productivity, better thinking and lifelong learning.
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