Can you be better at multitasking? Read up on this article that explores the factors that contribute to efficient and effective multitasking and how you can master the art over time.
Do you attend calls while you make your meals, or listen to an interesting podcast while you get your chores done? Then yes, you are a multitasker! The word “multitasking” may seem intimidating initially, but it is truly an excellent skill to master.
Our lifestyles have evolved over the years, enabling us to do more in a shorter period.
In its true sense, multitasking is the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously by not compromising the output of either. While that seems like a hard target to achieve, we multitask in our daily lives without knowing that we do.
However, it is imperative to understand the art of mastering this very skill. Multitasking may not necessarily mean rushing to execute multiple tasks at once. It lies in understanding, organizing, and seamlessly prioritizing your tasks without feeling burnt out or distracted during the process.
Effective multitasking is an oxymoron since our brain is used to focusing on a single task at a time. But, looking at it from a slightly different lens might help approach it better.
Churning out high-quality work with distractions in your surrounding can be challenging. So, we’ve put together some guaranteed methods to help you achieve your goals efficiently and effectively.
Plan ahead of time
Invest time in laying a good foundation for your plan. Having an extensive to-do list helps, but only if you take the time to organize and categorize your tasks. Multitasking becomes much easier when your tasks are organized.
Individually list down what each task requires. E.g., suppose you are applying for a course. In that case, you start with writing your SOP, filling out your application, procuring the required documents, and so on and so forth. Planning is essential when you have a lot to get done.
Group similar tasks
Club compatible tasks together. Your brain assimilates information better when categorized into groups. Therefore, clubbing 2-3 tasks together than can work well in sync is a great way to finish a lot in a shorter time. It is imperative to layer our tasks well. Psychologist Shelley Carson’s study revealed that no two people are the same. One can get more distracted than the other, so it’s important to pick tasks that are doable in that time frame.
Prioritize
We can’t emphasize the importance of prioritizing your tasks enough! Distinguish urgent from important. Prioritize tasks that require your absolute attention and focus. Prioritizing makes life simpler; it helps you approach your tasks with a calmer mind. Your brain is aware of what it must channel its energy towards next. Allocate your tasks in a way that they seem doable, prioritizing is almost half the battle won, trust us!
Learn to concentrate and avoid distractions
Are the constant notifications on your phone making you want to browse through your social media? Is the music too loud? Or are you just unable to focus? List your distractions and tackle them one at a time. In today’s day and age, there are numerous ways you can enhance your concentration. Apps like LeechBlock or Forest aid concentration by providing techniques to channel your focus. Distract your mind with fairly simple tasks that don’t require high involvement.
Write things down and work in blocks of time
When you make a tangible list of tasks, it is easier to keep track of them and tick them off as you complete them. The brain then processes your tasks more efficiently as it’s aware of the tasks completed. Apps like Evernote or OneNote are great for penning down your to-do list and organizing your schedule with reminders and other ergonomic features.
Colour coding your work and making visual target boards prove highly effective in boosting concentration. The brain responds to colour almost instantly and can form associations that will help it memorize tasks better. Writing on a board will also give you an assessment of your progress.
Work in time slots
Working in blocks of time will make you feel calmer, more focused, and, most importantly, thoroughly ready for your next task. Once a task is complete, and you take a short window off, your brain is trained to understand that it has successfully finished executing the task. It will then recoup for the next one with better clarity and focus.
Take breaks or switch locations
Your surroundings play a rather key role in determining your output. The lesser the distractions, the better. Switching to a different location instead of your usual work setup often aids a new thought process. Your brain is processing information in a different setup and will use that memory to make associations. Taking a break from multitasking is extremely important. It allows your mind to divert and focus on things that are low involvement.
Multitasking is a powerful tool when mastered correctly and smartly. Enhance your output effectively by understanding the art of mastering this superpower.
