Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!

This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it.

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📈 Think You’re Good at Multitasking? Think Again.

I’ll be honest with you — I still struggle with a bad habit.

As part of my recent AI Music Project, I’ve been spending a lot of time learning new things. I wrote about this here: Learning From Kids Half My Age.

For me, that often means watching YouTube tutorials from creators who are way ahead of me — showing how to understand the algorithms for streaming platforms, optimize channels, or edit content. Most of the information is incredibly helpful.

But here’s the problem: sometimes, I catch myself tuning out. I’ll let the video play in the background while I answer emails, scroll through my phone, or tinker with something else. I tell myself I’m “learning” while also being productive.

The result? I don’t remember much from the video, and the other task I was working on usually ends up half‑done.

That’s the essence of multitasking. And it’s one of the biggest myths in productivity.

Why We Think We’re Good at Multitasking

Here’s the funny thing: almost everyone admits that multitasking is bad — but most of us secretly think we’re the exception.

We tell ourselves things like:

● “I can listen to a podcast while writing emails.”

● “I can answer Slack messages during a Zoom call.”

● “I can learn from this YouTube video while working on my spreadsheet.”

It feels efficient. It feels like we’re doubling up. But the truth is, our brains aren’t wired for it.

What we call “multitasking” is usually task switching. Instead of doing two things at once, our brain rapidly toggles between them. And every switch comes with a cost.

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The Science Against Multitasking

The research is clear: multitasking makes us slower, less accurate, and more stressed.

● Stanford University Study (2009): Heavy multitaskers were actually worse at filtering irrelevant information, organizing thoughts, and switching between tasks compared to light multitaskers. (Link to study)

● American Psychological Association: Task switching can cost as much as 40% of someone’s productive time. (APA source)

● University of London Study: Multitasking on cognitive tasks led to IQ score drops similar to losing a night’s sleep — or smoking marijuana. (BBC summary of study)

In other words: multitasking doesn’t make us superhuman. It makes us sloppy, forgetful, and tired.

The Value of Single-Tasking

If multitasking is a myth, what’s the alternative?

It’s the surprisingly powerful practice of single-tasking — focusing on one thing at a time, with full attention.

When you single-task, you:

● Retain information better

● Work faster with fewer mistakes

● Reduce stress and mental fatigue

● Enter “flow state” more easily

● Actually finish things instead of leaving them half-done

Think about it: when was the last time you gave your full, undivided attention to just one thing — no phone, no tabs, no background noise?

It feels rare. But it also feels amazing.

A Real-Life Example

When I launched my AI music channel, I didn’t get traction by dabbling in a dozen different strategies. I got traction by focusing on one rule and sticking with it.

I wrote about this here: The Rule That Got Me 12K Daily Spotify Streams.

That rule was simple: release consistently. Instead of trying to master every platform, every marketing hack, or every growth strategy all at once, I single‑tasked on the one thing that mattered most.

And it worked.

The same principle applies to learning, working, or creating. When you give one task your full attention, you get better results in less time.

How to Practice Single-Tasking

Here are a few practical ways to build the habit of doing less, but better:

1. Choose Your One Thing.
    At the start of the day, ask: What’s the single most important task I need to complete today? Write it down.
   
   

2. Time-Block Your Focus.
    Set aside a block of 60–90 minutes for deep work on that task. During this time, eliminate all other inputs — phone on silent, email closed, notifications off.
   
   

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique.
    If 90 minutes feels overwhelming, try 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5‑minute break. Repeat.
   
   

4. Batch the Small Stuff.
    Instead of answering emails or messages as they come in, handle them in one or two dedicated blocks.
   
   

5. Create Rituals.
    Light a candle, put on focus music, or close your office door. Small rituals signal to your brain: now we’re focusing.
   
   

6. Celebrate Completion.
    When you finish a task, pause to acknowledge it. Finishing builds momentum.

The Paradox of Doing Less

Here’s the paradox: when you try to do everything at once, you end up doing less. But when you focus on just one thing, you often accomplish far more.

● Multitasking = shallow progress on many things.

● Single-tasking = deep progress on the one thing that matters.

And over time, those deep wins compound.

Final Thoughts on Multitasking

I still catch myself multitasking — letting a YouTube video play while I answer emails or trying to “half-listen” to a tutorial while working on something else. But I’m learning that it’s a trap.

Multitasking doesn’t make me more productive. It makes me forgetful and sloppy.

The real progress comes when I single-task — when I give one thing my full attention. That’s how my AI Music Project grew. That’s how I learn best. And that’s how I do my most meaningful work.

So here’s my challenge for you: today, pick one task that really matters. Block out 60 minutes. Eliminate all distractions. And give it your full focus.

You’ll be amazed at how much more you get done by doing less.

Talk soon,

Steve

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