#mono-tasking

The myth of multitasking is pervasive, but it’s time to challenge this outdated notion. As executives, embracing mindfulness and mono-tasking can lead to more meaningful work, greater productivity, and a healthier work-life balance. Let’s put the myth to rest and start achieving more by doing less.

Mono-tasking is deliberately focusing on one thing at a time with as few distractions as possible - so not trying to read your emails while eating your breakfast and catching up on the financial review at the same time. Growing research suggests that multi-tasking requires up to 40% of a person’s productive abilities! How to focus on monotasking- 1. Make a list and check it twice Write down the tasks you need to get done in priority order. This way, even if you have 5 things to do, you know you’re focusing on the most important one first. 2. Wear a watch By compartmentalizing your day into activities with set time frames, you’ll be more likely to power through your tasks rather than procrastinate. If one of your to-do’s is taking far longer than anticipated, it might be time to see tip number 3. 3. Delegate, don’t relegate By focusing on your strengths and delegating the things your less effective at or the smaller tasks, you’ll be more productive and have more time to focus on your core tasks.

In the past decade, astonishing advances in interactive technology have made communication possible in ways that past generations of innovators could literally not have dreamed. The speed and agility of our communications continually morph into even faster, more nimble forms. At their best, these technologies make us feel that we are in a nearly telepathic dialogue with multiple friends around the world—some of whom we may never have met face-to-face. But, as I don't have to tell you, there is downside. When we overload our own brains and neurological circuits with rapid --and let's face it-- shallow exchanges, we lose out on the humanity summoned by the one-to-one, face-to-face conversation. Although connected by fiber optics and satellites, we find ourselves disconnected in more primal, genuine ways. I blame this on the persistent myth of multitasking.

The original idea was that multitasking meant getting more done. But it’s just not true of mental and creative activity. Multitasking is another word for self-interruption and self-distraction, generally in the interest of procrastination and avoidance of a task we don’t want to do. The result : time evaporates, relationships lose their resonance and depth, and assignments miss deadlines. I am definitely a technophile, as you already know from my tweets and more, but our cultural obsession with digital toys is a big part of the problem. Let’s take texting. There is a reason that it’s against the law to text and drive: our brains cannot  process more than one thing at a time. Dividing your attention between an array of screens and devices means that you’re not fully engaged in any of those places. So what you end up with is fragmented chatter—noise—and not meaningful conversation or connection. Try shortening your “To Do” list today. Replace our frantic society’s misguided belief in multitasking with the power of mono-tasking. This means retraining yourself to focus on one thing at a time, especially when it comes to listening, learning, studying and working.