Single Tasking Your Way to Greater Productivity

For decades it was believed that the ability to do a number of things at once was the route to success. Multitasking was revered as a powerful "secret" to getting things done effectively and efficiently. Everyone from high level executives to super homemakers were convinced that they were slacking off if they only attended to one task at a time; that the only way to be productive was to take on as much as possible all at once.

In recent years, however, it’s been proven that multitasking is not the key to ultimate productivity. According to a study described on American Psychological Association’s website, while multitasking may seem efficient on the surface, in reality, the requisite shifting between tasks can waste up to 40% of the time spent trying to be productive. Additionally, it’s been discovered that multitasking brains make a lot more errors. An article on Hive says that multitaskers, "are actually just switching back and forth between tasks at a rate that diminishes overall efficiency and productivity."

Thankfully in recent years, that Type A behavior has waned, making room for a saner, and actually more productive way of accomplishing work: single tasking (or monotasking). These new terms describe precisely what they sound like - and represent the opposite of multitasking. Single tasking is the practice of focusing on one task at a time while minimizing potential interruptions for a fixed period of time.

The reason single tasking is more effective for productivity is that it allows the individual to focus and fully engage with a task. It allows the mind to go deep and follow through on one thing without interruption. Due to pure concentration, tasks actually get completed more quickly - and accurately.

Another benefit of single tasking is that it decreases the stress that can build up from cramming a myriad of smaller tasks into one session - and who wouldn’t appreciate a reduction in stress levels?

Taking up single tasking

If you convinced that single tasking is worth giving a try to improve your productivity, efficiency and lower your stress, here are a couple implementation tips:

Set aside specific single tasking time. Especially if the concept of single tasking is new to you, really plan a window of time for a productivity session. As you get more familiar with the process, you may not have to plan too much ahead of time. Choose a specific task you want to complete or make significant progress on and assemble whatever tools you’ll need to complete the work. Single tasking is an especially good way to attack projects that you dread or that are overwhelming. The short, focused bursts of attention are manageable and allow for headway on something you might otherwise procrastinate on - or simply never attend to

One highly effective single tasking method is to break an hour and a half into 20 - 25 minute increments (the maximum human attention span). Set a timer for 20 - 25 minutes and dig into your work. When the timer sounds, stand up, stretch, step away from the work for 5 - 10 minutes. When the break is over, repeat the cycle two more times. This is a good time to review your progress or share it with an accountability partner (single tasking is a great technique to employ when coworking). You can repeat the session as many times as desired with a 20 - 30 minute break between sessions.

Remove distractions from your workspace. If your phone is nearby, it’s more likely you’ll pick it up, so put it out of reach. Close your email and social media so you won’t hear notifications. In fact, shut down any unnecessary tabs that may lure you from your task at hand. Find a quiet, comfortable place to work. Shut the door, close the blinds or curtains. Make certain someone else can attend to anything urgent that comes up during this time you’ve earmarked for productivity and who can handle anything that could distract you, like children or pets.

Single tasking is a breakthrough for productivity, utilizing what science has discovered about the human mind to help make the most of time spent on work to accomplish more with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

How can you be more productive by single tasking?