Secrets of Success: Single-Tasking
by Multitasking is on the way out. What’s in? Single-tasking. Rather than trying to do everything we can all at the same time, single-tasking is focusing on one important thing until it is completed.
The next time that you feel overwhelmed with your task load, STOP! Consider what things on your schedule are essential and prioritize them accordingly. After prioritizing, then focus on only one thing (and often one part of that one thing).
For example, if you need to clean the house then start in one room and when you finish that room proceed to another one. If you try to multitask by cleaning a little bit in each room then you end up feeling tired, and your work will not be as easily noticed. Not being able to see the satisfaction of a job complete is draining.
If you have 40 unread emails in your inbox on Monday, then spend 20 minutes going through your inbox and focus on that task. Then leave your emails alone and move to your next project. Don’t let emails run your life, just choose to check them no more than 5 times a day. If that sounds too limiting then set your own limit.
Single tasking requires you to set limits for yourself that will ultimately help you accomplish each task. You have heard that more is less. That is an accurate statement. Limit the time that you use for each task that you are focusing on. When you are finished, then move on to the next task.
If you focus the sun through a magnifying glass, you will be able to start a fire; however without the focus of the magnifying glass you will only feel the pleasant warmth of the sun.
The power of focusing your time and energy on specific tasks is essential to success in life. Trying to do everything at once just doesn’t work!
Related articles:
Liked it
-
-
-
-
Post Commentscott stambler
On December 29, 2008 at 9:17 pm
love this.
when i was about 16 i worked as a cook. It was a real busy place. a Full Wheel for 3-4 hours. (full wheel is the clip holder wheel that holds all the orders)
anyway – we learned to do ONE order at a time… and that was how you got thru the night.
Benjamin Bright
On December 30, 2008 at 9:18 am
Thank you for your thoughts Scott…sometimes life seems to keep a Full Wheel and the answer you shared is applicable just the same. “One order at a time.”
Ruby Hawk
On January 3, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Very good advise for those of us who are overwhelmed easily. We have to find a starting place and go from there.
Joie Schmidt
On January 14, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Very good advice, it is often said that less is more and that focus is key.
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.