Even though we all know single-tasking is the most helpful hack to productivity, we still end up juggling a dozen things at once, trying to multitask. Our brains are in constant rebellion against what works best until there's a disaster.
One day I was making a presentation with a podcast playing in the background, and I missed two key slides that made everything else very confusing. That's when I decided — only one thing at a time, no multi-tasking.
Here's why you should also try it:
🎯 When you focus on one thing, the quality of your work skyrockets.
⏰ You finish tasks faster, which means more time for yourself.
🛑 Less multitasking = fewer mistakes.
💆 Prevents burnout from doing too much in too little time.
Single-tasking shines in situations like:
- Solving complex problems (like coding)
- Creative endeavors (like writing a novel or personal blog)
- Any task that requires your full, undivided attention (like proofreading)
If you're nodding along but thinking, "Easier said than done," here's a quick 5-step guide to get you started:
- Choose your top 2-3 tasks for the day.
- Tackle them when you're most alert and your surroundings are least distracting. I use Sunsama to enter ‘Focus mode’ and it hides my task list while showing me the only task I'm supposed to work on.
- Put your phone on DND mode, or better… keep it in another room.
- Find a quiet spot where you can zone in.
- Don't forget to take short breaks - your brain needs it.
I'm curious… are we just wired to multitask even when it's not effective, or are we just addicted to the chaos? What's your take?