Many people recognise the importance of monotasking. This involves focusing fully on a task, doing deep work and using their abilities to achieve a specific goal.
Multitasking calls for being able to move from one task to another and doing each efficiently. Sometimes this is necessary and possible, but there can be downsides. These can include feeling tired and failing to focus on what is really important.
There is also another option. You can do a big monotask and, within this, do various multitasks. This can work if you focus on the big goal. You can then do tasks that contribute towards achieving this aim.
Samira Far wrote an article for Inc. on the theme of Monotasking Keeps The Brain Healthy And You More Productive. Here are some excerpts.
Many individuals recognise the downsides of multitasking. Flitting from one minor task to another, they do not feel in charge of their day. They have to switch from context to context and tactic to tactic. They may say something like the following.
“I have been busy all day but am not sure that I have accomplished anything. I feel tired and need time to recover.”
Monotasking has become more popular, whilst multitasking has got a bad reputation. But there is another option to consider.
Great workers take this route when performing as athletes, dancers, crisis managers or doing another activity. But it comes with a key proviso.
They keep focusing on their mission and must see how the multiple tasks contribute towards achieving their aims. They then develop their skills for managing these tasks and working towards the compelling goal.
Let’s return to your own life. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow the monotasking approach, multitasking approach or combine elements of both approaches?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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