Do you know why you’re so bad at multitasking? This is going to be quite a shocking revelation, but it’s because….well….you’re not a computer!
The word “multitasking” didn’t even appear in the 1960’s and it was originally used to describe computers performing multiple tasks at a time. But get this – the word doesn’t even accurately describe what computers are doing either! Even computer processors are doing one thing at a time, they are just doing them insanely fast.
Multitasking is actually just task switching, and this is what computers are doing at blinding speed. But it turns out, when you try and do things thing in a way that even a computer processor can’t, you will burn out fast because your brain is not wired to switch tasks efficiently.
But you’re not alone. Studies have shown that even people who think they are good at multitasking also suck at it!
So what’s the one thing you should do instead? It’s to actually do the “one thing”. It’s called monotasking – this is the practice of minimizing distractions and potential interruptions until either the one task is completed or the time you dedicated to that task has passed.
Imagine what it would feel like to accomplish more things in less time, with less effort and less stress. What would the quality of your work look like? I guarantee it would be a lot better.
Have you ever wondered how successful people get so much done when they have the same amount of hours in a day as you do?
“The people who achieve extraordinary results don’t achieve them by working more hours… They achieve them by getting more done in the hours they work.” -Gary Keller
So here’s how you can start monotasking today to improve your quality of work with less time, effort and stress.
Step 1: Get rid of distractions (including your phone)
Become an architect of your environment. Create a space for yourself that is solely dedicated to deep work and remove anything from that space that might interrupt your focus. The number 1 culprit is your phone. Either set it to do not disturb mode and keep it out of arm’s reach, or even better, keep it in a separate room.
Step 2: Establish accountability
Studies found that people are 95% more likely to complete a goal when they have a specific accountability appointment with someone they committed to. State your focus goal to your partner and get to work. In ADHD world, there’s this concept of body doubling, which makes boring tasks less frustrating by creating an incentive to complete them.
Step 3: Set a timer
Get an analog timer like this one, which clearly displays the passing of time and how much time is left. This will keep help keep you committed to the time you blocked for deep work and reminds you to take much needed breaks between focus sessions.
The secret here is to use external triggers instead of relying on your will power. You’ll notice this is a recurring theme of the system I will teach you to leverage as we get to know each other.
That’s all for today, have an amazing day my friend.
Your coach,
Tony