What do you do when you’re answering emails and suddenly the phone rings? Do you answer it and try to speak to the person while you finish your emails? Then the doorbell chimes. Do you go to the door while still on the phone? Now you have some decisions to make.
We live in a world where multitasking is commonplace. But is it the most efficient use of our time?
The Multitasking Myth
In South Africa as well as a number of states have already made it illegal to talk on your cell phone and drive at the same time. Some states in the US won’t even allow you to drive and eat at the same time! These laws are based on the fact that if your focus is divided, accidents are more likely to happen.
Recent studies have also shown that when people are forced to change gears in the middle of a task, valuable time is lost. The more complex the task, the more time is lost. The lost time is the time that’s usually spent by the frontal lobe of your brain making decisions and establishing priorities.
-
So when you multitask, rather than getting a lot more accomplished, you’ll find that the quality of your work diminishes significantly while important tasks actually take longer!
Single-Tasking: the Alternative
Just for argument’s sake, try spending one day where all you do is focus all your energy on one task at a time. You may be surprised to discover that you’re making significantly more progress than usual as you tackle one job at a time without interruption.
Without interruption? Perhaps you’re thinking, “That’s easier said than done.”
If so, here are some tips to help you gain the advantage of single-tasking:
1. Create a to-do list. Have categories on the list for home, work, etc. Write the items on your list in order of priority.
-
Organizing your tasks will help you see everything you have to do and give you a definite place to start.
2. Keep a notebook handy. If ideas for another task come while you’re working on something else, jot them down quickly so you can continue concentrating on your current project. You won’t have to worry about forgetting your ideas and thoughts later.
3. Tune out distractions. If possible, turn off your phone or shut down your computer if they’re diverting you away from your present task.
-
If you feel the urge to check your email, simply take a deep breath and continue working. Don’t worry; your email’s not going anywhere! It will still be there in the same place when you finish your current task
4. Plan your day in blocks of time. Depending on the number of tasks you have to do this can be in hour-long blocks, or just 20 minutes.
-
Make sure you leave some blocks open for unexpected situations that may arise.
5. Every now and then, take inventory. When you’ve completed a task successfully and have a few minutes to spare, use that time to check your inbox for any new situations that may have come up.
-
You can then re-prioritize your to-do list if necessary.
The two most valuable courses you can follow to increase your focus is the
-
Wake Up Effective, Successful And Happy” course and
-
The Kaizen Personal Development Program (aka The Kaizen Challenge)
Single-tasking might take some time to get used to, especially if you’re accustomed to working on multiple projects at one time. However, focusing your efforts on a single task will help you think more clearly and determine what steps must be completed.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of ideas but these tips will help you get started with single-tasking. Multitasking can be very stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to make your life a little less chaotic? Single-tasking can do a world of good for your emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. It’s the sane alternative to multitasking!
Please share your wealth insights with us on the article by adding your comment at the bottom.
If you like this article, please click on the `Digg` image below. I'd appreciate it!
Comments
No, I know that this single tasking works and is the way to go. Make the list Hannes speaks of and on be sidetracked when it is really not possible to ignore. Also keep in mind that relationships are almost always more important that just getting some job done but how offent to be ignore or put off the relationship because we are "busy"?
Thanks for the reminder Hannes.
I am taking Hannes' challenge seriously - The first item on my computer Notepad for tomorrow is to get myself a paper based pocket size note pad. Part of my plan is to be less computer focussed.
Thank you Hannes for always teaching and inspiring us! And for breaking things down - making it simple and understandable!
Thank you for the simple and good advice. From now on I am going to keep a note book with me at all times and also make my list every morning.