Task switch inertia is destroying your productivity. Here’s the fix.

“Concentration is the secret of strength in politics, in war, in trade, in short, in all management of human affairs”

?~ Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Delegation Fast-Track Card #12

?? Mindset: Delegation Starter?

What opportunities are lost when you focus on completing tasks rather than qualitative productivity and strategic considerations?

?? Tip: Overcoming Task Switch Inertia

Through research, neuroscientists have proven that a heavy focus on task completion has ongoing adverse effects and creates a phenomenon called Task Switch Inertia. The basic premise is that as we constantly switch back and forth from one task to another, there are inevitable detrimental side effects.?

Cognitively, as we move from one thing to another, our capacity for focus diminishes. The result is that the quality of work goes down as we switch back and forth, not up. We become less productive, not more. ?

So, how do we overcome this human tendency to task switch??

I’ve been practicing “sprints,” or focused time blocks, in which I set a 90-minute timer and only allow myself to work on one thing or meditate for the duration. Do Not Disturb settings are turned on for all my devices, and I resist the urge to check my email, social media, or Slack messages. I finished a big, stalled-out project I had started over two years ago – in just four 90-minute sprints!

?? Tool: Timer App + Focus Settings

This month’s tool is already in your pocket! If you are an iPhone user, set up Focus settings to customize notifications and views for different focus times. Use this tutorial for Android settings. And for the challenge below, you’ll also need a timer.

? Task: Your Delegation Challenge

Your challenge this month is to give sprinting a try. Choose an Important but not Urgent project (top right corner of your Delegation Matrix). Set your phone to Do Not Disturb mode and remove any other potential distractions. Set an intention for the sprint by saying or writing down what you will work on. Then, set a timer for 90 minutes and get to work! If you get stuck and need a break, resist the temptation to scroll socials or check email. Meditate during the break, then try again.

Download Card #12

Delegation Fast-Track Cards are designed to help you optimize your impact, no matter the size of your team or your annual revenue. You’ll receive a question, a delegation tip, a recommendation for a free or low-cost tool, and a challenge to help you flex your delegation skills a little more each month. (Access all cards here)

As a seasoned Virtual Assistant (VA), I have worked with a decent number of clients from many different industries. Despite coming from various backgrounds and industries, there is one thing that my favorite clients have all had in common. Every single one of them has shown or continually shows appreciation and gratitude for the work I do and the help I provide. This isn’t to say that they shower me with gifts or bonuses. Instead, they do something simple. They share their gratitude by saying “thank you” regularly and ensuring I know how much they appreciate my help. Read More

In today’s fast-paced world, many entrepreneurs believe working harder and faster is the only way to succeed. But what if slowing down could actually boost productivity and improve your quality of life?

Burnout is a real and growing problem. The World Health Organization declared it an epidemic, and studies show that 89% of US employees have experienced it. Even high achievers aren’t immune. I experienced burnout firsthand in 2022 when I found myself sleeping through a vacation that should have been filled with adventures. Even though I had delegated responsibilities, the burnout still caught up with me. Read More

In today’s society, where stress, anxiety, and mental health obstacles are increasingly prevalent, mental health organizations play a vital role in navigating those in need of support. These organizations are driven by their pursuit of overall wellness for individuals worldwide. Read More

This month of Thanksgiving, we’d like to encourage you to consider giving to one of these awesome non-profit organizations doing amazing work in our communities.

• Bel Inizio: Bel Inizio (which means beautiful beginning in Italian) is a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged women develop self-confidence and life skills through fitness and nutrition. Participants train to complete a 5K, which helps prepare them for the ultimate race — the race for a better life. Give.
• HobbleJog Foundation: Helps traumatic brain injury survivors thrive. They accomplish their mission by providing grants on a national scale to qualified organizations that provide post-acute resources. Grants are funded by donations derived from their annual fundraising efforts. Give.
• Clayton Christensen Institute: Reframing stubborn problems through the lens of theory. The Institute enables policymakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders to radically improve entire sectors through rigorous research and community empowerment. Give.
• National Policing Institute: The National Policing Institute is a nonpartisan and independent nonprofit organization dedicated to creating excellence in policing through the development, translation, and application of research. Give.
• Ama International: Ama empowers underserved communities to combat vulnerability and poverty and prevent human trafficking. We prioritize prevention through education, skill-building, innovation, and social enterprises to foster resilience, create jobs, and ensure self-sufficiency for a sustainable future. Give.
• Nurturing Change: The mission of Nurturing Change is to empower caregivers with insight and proficiency in trauma-informed care in order to provide emotional healing and behavioral transformation to kids. Give.

We proudly celebrate Trusty Oak anniversaries for our VAs and the leaders we serve. Thank you for partnering with us! Here’s who is celebrating this month.?

Our Team

2 Years

Amanda Ireland

3 Years

Jennifer Szpak

Djenee Dunn

Nitin Khanna

Erica Sharpe

Leaders We Serve

1 Year

Elizabeth Scott, PhD , Brighter Strategies

Elena Horton, Rupal Law

Ray Drew, The Content Store

2 Years

Lori Lovens , Innovation Savvy

Sarah Cotton Nelson , High Flying Strategy

Tom Hays, TechKnowServ

3 Years

Nikk Nguyen, Southern Love Creative

4 Years

Felicia Reed , Photographer & Coach

Are you wondering what you can accomplish by partnering with a US-based virtual assistant? Schedule a Discovery Call with Bex Howell to learn more.