Multitasking has become a buzzword globally. People are often confused with what to do one thing first due to the pressure from various sources and distractions from multiple sources. They must prioritize their tasks and execute one task at a time. Currently, there is less focus on work due to distractions arising from technology.
People want everything on a platter and in precise as per their priorities and passions which has become a big challenge. In this regard, we will debunk multitasking and discuss the merits of doing one thing at a time.
Multitasking is a Myth
Doing one thing at a time is against multitasking. Research shows that there is no merit in multitasking. Our brains are not effective when we multitask because they are not built for multitasking. I am not an expert in multitasking as I cannot concentrate on many things at a time.
As an author, I find it highly challenging to multitask and follow my creative pursuits. Hence, I undertake one task at a time and execute it effectively and move on to the next task. There are several merits in staying away from multitasking. You focus clearly on your task and contribute your best.
You emphasize excellence and excel in your area. You will be able to differentiate between the chalk and the cheese. You learn your priorities right. You don’t get distracted due to technology and social media. You are less likely to make mistakes. The demerits include missing other opportunities that arise while executing one task.
You may be delayed in other activities. Steve Jobs once remarked, “People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are.”
Multitasking may be possible when you intend to execute a task with your conscious mind and other tasks with your subconscious mind. For instance, women are experts in multitasking. They view television, breastfeed children and sew clothes.
That means, they view television with their conscious mind and breastfeed their children and sew clothes with their subconscious mind.
“Multitasking divides your attention and leads to confusion and weakened focus.” – Deepak Chopra
Tips to do one Task at a Time
Here are some tips for doing one thing at a time with focus.
- Be clear about your priorities and focus on the most important ones. Take up one goal and do it properly. If it is too big, break the goal into small pieces and execute them in sequence and integrate them at the end.
- Don’t let social media suck you. Stay away from social media platforms and notifications from your computer and phone when you work on important tasks. It helps enhance your attention to the task and enables you to execute it effectively.
- Don’t let other people define how you spend your precious time. Goethe quoted, “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” Take a call about your tasks by prioritizing them based on your passions.
- Find out a quiet place to do your task to avoid distractions and noise. Keep your phone in silent mode.
- Make a to-do list and execute each task based on your passion, priority, and availability of the time. Identify the time each task demands and undertake if you have adequate time to complete the task.
- When you get up in the morning express your gratitude to God for gifting one more day to add value to others. Do meditation every day. Eat right and exercise regularly to improve your focus and enhance your concentration.
Do one thing at a Time
Remember the story of the hare and tortoise before you undertake any task. The task that is executed slowly and steadily offers you a better outcome than the tasks that are executed in a hurry.
Hence, do one thing at a time to emphasize excellence and excel as an effective leader.
To conclude, multitasking is a myth, and doing one thing at a time is the truth.
M.S. Rao
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