Single-tasking- Getting that One Thing Done
The other day I caught myself prepping dinner, responding to a work text, and listening to a podcast all while shouting through the house to my kids to tell them their screen time was up. I became incredibly aware of my attempt to multitask when I realized that time was flying by and all I had to show for it was a handful of half-done tasks. I had no idea what was being discussed on the podcast and the timer I set to remind me about the kid’s screen time had now beeped over three times reminding me how overdue they were for a more direct intervention.
I stepped back, took an honest look at how I had been approaching things and saw quite clearly that nothing was getting done. Even worse, I felt disjointed. Working across multiple tasks without the anchor of knowing what was most important in that moment was discouraging. Worst of all, I knew better.
I don’t need the flurry of studies from Stanford, York University, University of Sussex, University of Michigan, or this, to tell me that multitasking isn’t working for me. When I multitask I can easily forget something, time management is more difficult, and I am more easily pulled off task and distracted.
Enter single-tasking. When I focus on one thing at a time, it means I’ve intentionally determined what I’m going to do, how I’m going to it, and how long I expect it to take. It feels so much better working this way. It forces me to contemplate the importance of the task and what I need to complete it. It also prepares my mindset in a way that allows me to work smarter and clearer, producing a better quality product- whether that be making family dinner or planning a coaching session.
We have a phrase in our house that we use with the kids that has become a new mantra for me. “One thing at a time” reminds me to slow way down, look at the one thing in front of me that must be done, commit to it, and complete it before moving on.
When my coaching clients raise the issue of working hard and long and still not finishing important tasks, I challenge them to embrace the 6 steps below to bring them back to the practice of single-tasking.
Pick the “one thing.” Don’t overthink this. Depending on what is in front of you it may be the task that has been haunting you the longest or it may be the one thing you know you can knock out quickly.
Determine how long this task should take and be realistic.
Turn off all distractions including laptop and phone alerts. If you are working on a computer, close down open tabs in your browser.
Set a timer. If there is one thing your phone is good for during single-tasking, it is this. Keeping yourself on a set time should prevent you from being tempted to check your email or send a quick texts- two things that will definitely take you off course.
Act. Need help with this? Check out one of my favorite tools to help you get started.
Celebrate completing the task- cross it off your to-do list, take a walk, get a coffee, mark this as a moment of true completion.
Planning ahead to manage your time in advance, is a great weekly practice and it makes all the difference. Putting tasks on a calendar and blocking out time will help build a sustainable habit of prioritizing and focusing on work so that you are clear on what needs to done in the present moment.
What’s the one thing that you know would make your life and the life of those you work and live with that much better if you could just focus and get it done?