Stop multitasking! Be EFFICIENT instead
The ugly truth about MULTITASKING
We claim that we’re great at it. We’re proud of it. We consider it a skill worthy of prime place on our resumes and focus on mastering it in our busy everyday lives… but what if I told you it was a lie? What if I told you that if you deleted the “multitasking mode” from your life, you would be more productive, focused and effective in every way?
Here’s the truth: multitasking became a popular term in the 1960’s, but it was intended to describe computers, not humans. The human brain cannot focus on more than one thing at a time and studies have proven that when we attempt to multitask, our overall focus is severely diminished.
We are not multitasking at all, we are attention shifting. And every time we shift our attention from one task to another and back, we not only exhaust ourselves, but we waste time.
Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Time is our most precious asset.
When you stop multitasking and increase your ability to focus, you start to become more efficient and finally have the ability to start carving out time for the little things that we stop noticing because of all the rushing around.
The key here is to break the cycle of busy-ness…
This process of un-learning is challenging to say the least.
As always, the way through it is to keep your eyes on the prize.
What do you want? To continue being exhausted, overwhelmed and constantly “busy”? Of course not, you want to be calm, grounded and efficient… so read on, I have a few tips to get your started making the switch
“Multitasking is merely the opportunity to screw up more than one thing at a time” _ Steve Uzzell
1- Pause.
I know, this sounds counterproductive, but if you pause and take three deep breaths before starting, you will give yourself the opportunity to create an intentional break.
Give yourself the oportunity to drop whatever thoughts and distractions you are carrying around and bring your full attention to the task at hand.
This is the best way to consciously focus your mind and become more energized to perform the task efficiently.
2- Time block.
Delegate a particular time to a particular task. Make it your absolute focus: THE thing you are doing right here, right now.
Mark your calendar in advance so you can be prepared and be aware that by allocating a specific time bracket to this task, you allow yourself to put it out of your mind until the time is appropriate.
This is a process of telling your mind that although that task is important, you will get to it when the time is right.
3- Clear space.
If you are surrounded by unfinished tasks, your mind will wander and it will be even more fifficult to focus on the task at hand.
Get any potential distractions out of your direct line of sight.
It can be helpful to havea notepad in plain sight with the task written on it… in case your mind does wander, you can rein it in quickly.
4- Be realistic.
When it comes to our to-do lists, we tend to overload ourselves.
Make sure your daily list is achievable within your allocated time.
When you have too much on that list, you send yourself into a subconscious frenzy. Be kind to yourself by keeping it real!
This may take a little practice, as you become used to scheduling your tasks, you will have a better idea of how long it takes you to file your paperwork, make dinner or write that report so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get this perfect straight away, practice makes progress. We’re in this for the long haul, right?
5- Sing it, baby!
This is a great one for the menial tasks … you know the ones you have to do but resent somewhat!
When you sing, you trick your mind into believing that you are enjoying the task (yes even folding washing or filing paperowork… urgh! It’s not just me, right?) Don’t worry, your dog isn’t judging you… and you might even end up having a therapeutic dance sess’!
By singing, you can trick your subconscious mind into believing you are having fun... and it will assist you with focus, energy and happy hormones!
Multitasking is truly one of the most damaging myths of modern life. The practice of being present not only leads to more efficiency but also a healthier mindset.
Making Mindfulness a way of life takes time. For most of us, the simple act of being present goes against everything that we have been taught so please be kind to yourself in your process of un-doing all the patterns that do not serve you. Remember, it’s a practice. One that yoru future self will thank you for.
If you need help in developing focus, presence and self-compassion, check out my Calm + Connected course.