If you are among the millions of people who are plagued by the problem of multitasking, you're not alone. In fact, most of us are guilty of it. This practice is known to increase stress, cause mistakes and kill productivity. To stop this habit, you must focus on only one thing at a time. Try this productivity challenge to help you stop multitasking for good. It will make you realize how much you waste on useless activities and unnecessary distractions.
Focus on one thing
Studies show that the amount of time we spend multitasking diminishes our cognitive and working IQs. Not only do we increase our stress levels, but we also cause our brains to release hormones that lead to narrowed arteries and increased blood sugar levels. Moreover, multitasking decreases our attention and reaction time. That is why we end up missing half of our normal sights when talking on the phone while driving. Yet, people continue to multitask despite the evidence.
Eliminate distractions
Eliminate distractions when multitasking. Distractions are the number one reason why we're not productive. They come in many forms, including people and devices. Even if you have to deal with people as part of your job, you shouldn't allow them to get in the way of your work. The key is to focus on one task at a time. Distractions can be eliminated through a few simple steps.
Eliminate stress
The act of multitasking is counterproductive. It increases your stress level, and it also reduces your creativity and your ability to absorb information. In order to eliminate the stress associated with multitasking, it's a good idea to schedule it during a time when you are not working on another task. If you have to multitask, inform your coworkers of your availability and set a deadline to complete your task. Afterward, return to your task without distractions.
Eliminate mistakes caused by lack of focus
Most of the careless mistakes we make are the result of lack of focus. Whether we're distracted by a screen, a phone call, or something else, we can't really concentrate on one task for long. Lack of focus can be a symptom of a mental health disorder, such as ADHD. And it is a common cause of car accidents - about 80 percent of car crashes are caused by eating while driving.
Eliminate overscheduling
If you are always overscheduling yourself, you are setting yourself up for failure. Overbooking can wear you down, cause you to lose focus, and waste your energy on the things you don't really need to do. While it may be important to stay on top of your to-do list, it can lead to poor performance, relationship problems, and even poor service. To alleviate this, consider using the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize tasks. This visual helps you decide what needs your focus most and which ones can wait until tomorrow.