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An Attempt in Avoiding the Multi-task

Posted on August 27, 2012 · 5 Comments

Multi-tasking is a huge lie…but definitely a huge addiction.

The blessing of technology is that we are given the opportunity to do things faster and more efficiently. The downside is that we often try and do more things simultaneously with speed and efficiency. When we have multiple tabs open online, multiple documents on multiple screens, we feel like we get more done. I know I feel that way. Unfortunately, a spectacle of extreme ADD is disguised in speed and a plethora of productivity apps.

I’d wondered if I could get things done quicker trying to multi-task or just concentrate on one thing at a time. It’s an experiment I had never taken action on because I didn’t actually have real motivation for such an experiment. Then last week, Inc. shared this article talking about how multi-tasking could lower your IQ score. Literally. Knowing I need to salvage what IQ points I have to my name, I’ve been inspired to take action.

At least for this week, I’m going to try doing one thing at a time. I’m going to pick one task and zero in on that one thing only. No tangents. A few tricks I’m going to attempt out of the gate:

  • Turning my email pop-up notifications off
  • Putting my phone on silent and not vibrate
  • Only work on two screens if they’re both being used for the same task

What other tips do you have for me to try? How do you stay focused?

Also, if you don’t believe me, below is an infographic that explains how multi-tasking is making us stupid. If it’s on an infographic, it has to be true…right?

Filed Under: Productivity ·
  • http://www.digitalmarketingspeak.com/ Vlad Gorenshteyn

    I totally agree that IQ lowers with extreme multitasking. Here’s one thing you should remember Drew, that for every one day you manifest a bad habit, you’ll need 8 days of polar behavior in order to change it. I think 8 is actually too low because that study was done in the 80s, prior several key digital disruptions.

    Nonetheless, you can do it!

    Here are a few tricks I use:
    * learn to say “sorry, would love to help, however I’m busy right now but can schedule to get back to you later”
    * set your inbox to sync up with the server only twice a day: 1) noon 2) 4pm
    * if you prefer to keep your door open but get easily distracted, play White Noise in your space
    * every 45-60 minutes, get up and walk around for 5-10 minutes, preferably outside
    * keep you pc/mac desktop free of icons and folders other than those you’re working on
    * take at least a 30 minute nap each day when you’re tired instead of ingesting caffeine; alternatively replace caffeine with fruits and/or veggies
    * don’t forget to breathe! take deeps breaths once in a while–this will do wonders to your ability to focus on specific tasks
    * don’t forget to finish the stuff you st

    • http://www.brainwads.net/drewhawkins Drew Hawkins

      I like the fruit and veggies tip. Something I could probably do more of (and my wife would agree).

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=30300878 Adam Webber

    Smartphones are also a huge culprit. What if you swapped your sim into an old candy bar or flip phone for a month? How would your life change? For you specifically, this might be a detriment since so much of what you do is related to social media.

    • http://www.brainwads.net/drewhawkins Drew Hawkins

      Yeah that wouldn’t help as much. As stated above though, I’m going to put it on silent – not vibrate – so that notifications don’t take me off course.

  • April

    Great post! One thing I have begun doing is not taking my phone with me on some errands or when we got out to dinner. That way I am totally focused on the people I am with and/or what I need to accomplish. I TRY to stay away from the computer on weeknds.