You’ve heard of multitasking, let us introduce you to monotasking…
It’s been established that multitasking actually makes us less productive and can have negative long-term effects on our brains and bodies. Instead, we should all get familiar with the concept of monotasking. Monotasking is the practice of dedicating oneself to one given task and minimizing potential interruptions until that task is completed, or a significant period of time has elapsed.
The goal of monotasking is to achieve “deep work”—the ability to focus on a demanding task that requires higher levels of cognitive ability and awareness—without distractions, for an extended period of time. To help determine your current ability to achieve “deep work,” take our Focus Quiz here: https://myeq.com/my-dashboard/focus/focus-quiz/
While it’s been proven that multitasking is not efficient and can lead to long-term cognitive issues (more HERE: The Science of Multi-Tasking), monotasking does the opposite. Not only does monotasking increase performance quality and efficiency, it can also strengthen neural pathways, leading to an increased attention span and even a higher IQ. While life’s daily demands won’t always allow for by-the-book monotasking, it’s important to develop a monotasking mindset in environments we can control and where it will offer the most value, like work and personal self-care.
How To Get Into The Monotasking Mindset:
Set aside time for deep work
Each day, set aside 2 to 4 hours where you can focus on a single project without interruption (no phones, email, conversations, social media). This kind of singular focus engages both sides of your brain and helps you achieve breakthroughs that make the biggest impact. Start by blocking off your calendar and see how far you get.
Figure out your peak performance time
Everyone has a specific period of the day when they’re most productive—sharpest, least distracted, and most likely to have breakthrough moments. Identify this time of day and set it aside as your dedicated “deep work” window.
Narrow your focus by optimizing for impact
When prioritizing your workload, answer these questions first:
— What can I do today that will bring me a sense of purpose?
— What are the two most important things I can do today that would have the greatest impact?
Schedule “negative time” (free time)
Block out time (1–2 hours per day) for resting, watching TV, meditating, or going on a walk.
Progress Over Perfection
What do you do when you’re attempting to monotask and a distraction (inevitably) arises? Acknowledge the distraction, and return to the task at hand. According to Thatcher Wine, author of The Twelve Monotasks: Do One Thing At A Time To Do Everything Better, the process of “gently steering your attention back to your point of focus, without judgment” will be familiar to anyone who’s practiced meditation. By recognizing distractions without giving in to them, you enable your mind to shift more easily back into whatever you’re trying to monotask.
In a world where interruptions and constant stimuli are flying at us from all directions, it can be hard to notice ourselves slipping into a permanent state of distraction. Monotasking may feel uncomfortable at first, but implementing this practice is vital to improving focus—and your brain and body will thank you in the long run.
Read more of our favorite focus hacks HERE (link to your chosen page), learn about why multitasking doesn’t work here and take our Take the Focus Quiz
