Single-Tasking: The Sane Alternative to Multitasking

BY MEL HARRIS

14 APR 2023

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 rings, do you go to the door while still on the phone? I’m guilty of all of the above, as well as having at least 15 tabs open on my laptop consisting of research, shopping, half filled in forms and several email accounts!

We live in a world where multitasking is commonplace. However, is it the most efficient use of our time?

The Multitasking Myth

Recent studies have also shown that when people constantly change their focus 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 take longer!

The Alternative: Single Tasking

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 work, home, etc. Write the items on your list in order of priority.

· Organising your tasks will help you see everything you have to do and give you a definite place to start.

2. Keep a notebook or the Cottage Club Companion close by

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 if it’s diverting you away from your present task.

· If you feel the urge to check your phone, simply take a deep breath and continue working. Don’t worry; your phone’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 must do, this can be in hour-long blocks, or just 25 minutes (Pomodoro Technique)

· Make sure you leave some blocks open for unexpected situations that may arise.

5. Every now and then, take stock

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-prioritise your to-do list if necessary.

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!