If your day is like most people’s, your attention is split all day. Think about it. When was the last time you gave your total 100% attention to anything?
You’re aware that multitasking hurts your productivity and, in fact, isn’t actually helping you. The human brain is not designed to do more than one thing at a time with any level of success.
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Instead, when you try to multitask, your brain has to quickly jump back and forth (or between several things.) Some people appear pretty good at it, but it causes stress levels to rise, whether they’re aware of it or not.
Unfortunately, modern workplaces don’t value single-tasking. Instead, they continually push people to “do more with less” and “move fast.”
So, what’s the solution?
Single Tasking
Yes, it feels counter-intuitive to what the workforce values. But in truth, any employer values a workforce that gets the job done and is responsive to the needs of their command chain.
With single-tasking, you can and will be.
In fact, by sitting and working through complex problems, you will rebuild your brain’s ability to focus. As a result, your short-term memory (aka working memory) will improve –and your employer will love that!
And because your brain won’t constantly be trying to catch up with you, you won’t feel as stressed. Instead, you’ll like what you’re doing again. Or at least hone in on what you don’t like much more easily.
Also, as crazy as it might sound, you’ll get more done! There are two reasons for this. First, you’ll know how long things take and be able to schedule your day accordingly. Second, many of the “time wasters” that used to pull your attention away will naturally fall away.
How to Start Single-Tasking
Get Rid of Distractions
This includes your phone and unrelated open browser tabs. Even if you think you’re not distracted by them, notifications pull your attention, no matter how briefly. And merely having them there, shifts your focus.
Use a Timer
To spend eight hours single-tasking right out of the gate is a lot to ask. Instead, start with something like five minutes and build up. Think of the Pomodoro technique of spending 25 minutes focused on one thing with a five-minute break. You may find you’re still pushed into multitasking for at least part of the day. Find a balance between single-tasking and multitasking that works for you and your work situation.
Take a Break
Because the point of single-tasking is to give 100% of your attention to something for an extended period of time, it’s essential to give your brain a short rest after about 25 to 30 minutes. A five-minute break will increase your productivity for several hours afterward.
Additional Resources
To learn more about single-tasking and how it can help you be more productive, happier, and less stressed, check out Deep Work by Cal Newport.
