Your Infinite Potential: Doing one thing at a Time

Have you ever had one of those days when you have been rushed off your feet but actually got very little done? 

I do. Too often.

Maybe you were distracted by email, social media, a colleague or a phone call. Yes, of course (we tell ourselves) we can write that email while on a conference call without any mistakes. Yes, it is fine to be interrupted (or interrupt yourself) when in the middle of anther activity without any consequences. Multitasking. The endless to-do lists.

In our minds, searching the internet while talking on the phone feels like the only way to keep up. Or we have fallen into the habit of checking our email every time we get a notification. We believe it optimises our efficiency and productivity.

In today’s frantic, busy world, focus and concentration seem to be in short supply. We might be busy, but are we getting the things done that really matter?

The Irony of Multitasking

Recent neuroscience research has discovered that the brain doesn’t really do tasks simultaneously. We just switch between tasks. However, this stop/start process costs us time, is less efficient, we make mistakes and it depletes our energy.

The Potential Project suggests trying this little test if you want to prove to yourself the impact of multitasking. Draw two horizontal lines on a piece of paper. Time yourself as you carry out the two tasks that follow:

On the first line, write: I am a great multitasker

On the second line: write out the numbers 1-20 sequentially

How much time did it take to do the two tasks? Usually it’s about 20 seconds.

Now, multitask. 

Draw two more horizontal lines (do not look at your first round results). Time yourself again. This time write a letter on one line, and then a number on the line below, then the next letter in the sentence on the upper line, and then the next number in the sequence, changing from line to line. In other words, you write the letter "I" and then the number "1" and then the letter "a" and then the number "2" and so on, until you complete both lines.

Generally, the time it takes the second time could be double or more from what it was on the first round. You also may have made some errors and you were probably frustrated since you had to rethink what the next letter would be and then the next number. That’s switch-tasking on something very simple, but that's exactly what happens when we attempt to do many things (often more complex) at the same time. 

Matthew Toren in an Entrepreneur article states: “Most of us think of multitasking as a necessary part of life. How else could we possibly meet the demands of our over-scheduled, hectic lives? But, the truth is, you can only truly multitask if:

1. One or more of the tasks is second nature. In other words, it is so well-learned that no real thought is necessary to complete the task, like chewing gum or walking.
2. The tasks being performed involve different brain processes. For instance, if you're reading a book, you can listen to classical (instrumental) music at the same time, but if you listen to music with lyrics, you won't retain as much of the information you're reading.”

Single Tasking & Focus

So next time you think you’re multi-tasking, stop and be aware that you are really switch-tasking. 

There’s a Japanese term, “ichigyo-zammai,” which means full concentration on a single act. It advocates focusing on the key results that are most important in your life, so that you can maximise the results of your life. The reasoning behind this method is that if you have a clear sense of purpose driving your actions, you’ll be more driven to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Single-tasking is the opposite of multitasking, and it’s better in virtually every way. Our brains may initially resist single-tasking because it’s less stimulating. But working on one thing at a time lets us dive deeper and do a better job at each task. We don’t have to spread our time, attention, and energy—the three ingredients of productivity—across many things at once. 

Chunking

There are so many things competing for and demanding your attention in life that if you don’t make a conscious effort to decide in advance which things you’re going to focus on, you’ll live in reaction to demands of the moment. Focus is the ultimate power that can change the way we think, the way we feel and what we do in any moment.

To accomplish things in your day that really move you forward you need to focus on, and make time for, the most important activities. One way of focusing on one task at a time is chunking - the grouping together of information into ideally sized pieces. By taking all that is coming at you and grouping it in relation to your goals, you are positioning yourself to accomplish more.

Here are 3 things you can try right away:

• Think of what you want to accomplish and what activities you need to do to move you forward on those goals. Group your to-do list under these goals.
• Schedule your week - block out sufficient time in your calendar and stick to it. Ensure you have sufficient time allocated to get the important things done and stick to it. This will allow you to think more deeply. Chunks of 15-45 minutes are usually manageable. After 45 minutes plan to take a few minutes break - walk around, get a drink and then carry on with same goal or move on. Doing email should be in one of your 15 minute slots.
• Identify potential distractions ahead of time. Turn off your email notifications, put headphones on, go into a different room, find a quiet corner.

When you start thinking of your to-do’s as clusters of desired outcomes, you’ll keep stress at bay and learn to focus on your greater goals, rather than getting overwhelmed with the minute details. Why? Because you will start to feel inspired and you will be able to concentrate and accomplish something meaningful.

Productivity isn’t about how busy we are, or how fast we work—it’s about how much we achieve. 

Diane is Head of People Development at Newton Europe

This is the 18th in the Series: Your Infinite Potential:

1. Your Infinite Potential: Living to the Max
2. Your Infinite Potential: Prune for New Growth
3. Your Infinite Potential: The Power of Morning Ritual
4. Your Infinite Potential: Lies Outside Your Comfort Zone
5. Your Infinite Potential: Making the Most of Your Time
6. Your Infinite Potential: Are you Holding You Back?
7. Your Infinite Potential: Through Helping Others
8. Your Infinite Potential: Stay Curious
9. Your Infinite Potential: Be Less Busy Being Busy
10. Your Infinite Potential: Recharge Yourself
11. Your Infinite Potential: Learn to Listen and Listen to Learn
12. Your Infinite Potential: Getting Back on Track
13. Your Infinite Potential: Baby Steps
14. Your Infinite Potential: Uniquely You
15. Your Infinite Potential: Walking Your Path
16. Your Infinite Potential: Take a Break
17. Your Infinite Potential: Fresh Start