Are you a multitasker? If so, you may want to reconsider. I've not only read many articles on recent research that shows multitasking has adverse effects on on productivity, but I've also found that to be true from my own personal experience.
The other day I saw the following post on Twitter by Alex Goodall: "Learn how to multi-task: you'll be able to screw things up faster." His post not only made me laugh out loud but it also made me nod in agreement. Been there, done that...way too many times!
For example, the next week or so will be a very busy time for me. Having just returned from a week-long trip out of town, I need to get caught up on work projects and take care of some important personal tasks. At the same time I also need to push ahead on my work projects in preparation for an important family commitment that will require my full attention for two weeks.
As I dove into my to-dos on Monday and juggled multiple tasks simultaneously in an effort to make faster progress, I quickly became overwhelmed and started to feel panic stricken. I realized that I'd better do something ASAP to get myself on track or I'd end up being totally stressed out with a bunch of major problems on my hands.
Fortunately, instead of giving in to the sense of panic, I was able to make a conscious decision to stay calm and to employ three simple techniques that have worked very well for me in the past:
- To make a list each evening of the most important tasks that need to be done the following day (including an quick estimate of how much time each task should take.) This minimizes disorientation and churn in the morning and allows me to "hit the ground running".
- To use a kitchen timer to work in short, intense bursts. Using a timer kicks up the sense of urgency, helps me maintain a steady pace, and keeps me from getting sidetracked by distractions.
- To fully focus my attention on only one important task at a time.
As a result, I was able to accomplish more in 8 hours than I usually do in 3 full days! I not only got stuff done but the day didn’t feel like a chaotic blur. Although I was appropriately tired by the end of the day, I enjoyed a sense of accomplishment and actually felt less stressed out than usual. I still have a lot more left to do in the days ahead but these techniques are helping me to be effective and feel less overwhelmed.
Yesterday, as synchronicity would have it, Leo Babauta (ZenHabits.net) and Alex Mandossian (AlexMandossian.com) both had great blog posts that reinforced the productivity insights I gleaned from my progress yesterday. I encourage you to check them both out. Alex Mandossian’s blog post is titled: Why Multitasking Destroys Your Productivity. Leo Babauta’s blog post is titled: The Mindfulness Guide for the Super Busy: How to Live Life to the Fullest.
So when you're super-busy and need to get stuff done, the best solution is not multitasking…it’s mindfulness. It may be counterintuitive but it works.
Try it for yourself.
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