Want to be More Productive? Stop Multitasking.
In this post, I share five practical tools to help you boost your productivity.
Everyone wants to do more, have more, and know more. Even worst, we want everything now, so if you aren’t pushing yourself to meet your own crazy demands, you’re being pushed by someone else to meet theirs.
Multitasking seems like a natural fit. But is it?
How many times have you tried to manage more than one activity at once and failed? Think about it. Like seriously think about it and be honest. Now consider how successful you are when you focus on one single activity.
The truth is the brain can only focus on one thing at a time, so instead of thinking that your brain is working on two things concurrently, realize it is redirecting its attention between the two. [1]
The chores of life may tempt you to multitask, and it may seem helpful for a time, but honestly, it’s more taxing on your brain and counterproductive.
Multitasking can:
- Increase errors
- Decrease productivity
- Produce psychological strain
5 Hacks to Boost Your Productivity
So here are five hacks to help boost your productivity, sans multitasking, so you can manage life like a boss!
- Try mono-tasking. Dodge distractions by focusing on what’s in front of you. Prioritize urgent interruptions and switch directions if needed, but avoid splitting your attention between multiple things at once.
- Set priorities. Decide what you need to do and designate time to do it, or delegate responsibility to someone who has proven reliable in fulfilling their commitments.
- Plan for the future. Maintain your present well, but know projecting the future is an extension of good management. You can’t afford not to make time for this.
- Use a calendar, set reminders and stick to deadlines. Don’t try to be a super human and rely solely on your memory, help your brain work and it will help you. Also, set deadlines for your deadlines to account for last-minute modifications.
- Take exceptional care of yourself. Welcome the pressure that comes from growth, but know your stress limits and triggers. Sleep well, eat healthily to refuel your brain and employ laughter to fight stress.
Do Less to Do More
Mono-tasking is more effective in boosting your productivity, so if you only do one hack from my list, do less (at once) and watch what happens.
Resources
1. Gupta, Dr. Sanjay. “Your Brain on Multitasking.” CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Aug. 2016. Web. 15 July 2017.
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