The Power of Single-tasking
Are you a multi-tasker or a single-tasker?
In this era of gadget and technology, we used to do more tasks in the same period of time. Like operating some software on our desktop page. We try to switch one by one. We change the focus quickly. We think that multitasking can operate many things fast and efficiently.
But how about multitasking in real life?
One day, I was reading something on my phone and replying to some chat while I played with my niece. I hope that I can do it all, together. I replied to one chat. Then I talked to my niece. I typed again. Then I played with my niece. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do it all at once. I force my mind to switch whenever I change the activity. I couldn’t concentrate on those activities together.
I realize that the quality of attention of those activities is not equal. My niece — as a human — need to get more attention from me. But I didn’t give it to her. Sometimes she spoke louder because my attention was fully on my phone.
It made me think that multitasking is not always good. Maybe for me.
After that, I put my phone on the table. I tried to be more focused on my niece. I continued to play with her without my phone. I give double attention to her so that the quality of attention immediately changed.
I then understand that I can create a good relationship by giving more attention to her.
On the other day, I tried to do an experiment. I consider building a single-tasking habit. For example, I read one book for several minutes without distraction and without doing other activities. I pushed the focus only on the content of the book. Even though my mind sometimes asked me to switch the focus but I tried to control it for a while. Then … my attention immediately improved.
The result makes me wonder why I didn’t do a single task for every important job?
Actually, multi-tasking and single-tasking is our choice. It depends on our needs and habit. But now I know that single-tasking is far better than multi-tasking if we want to create more attention and if we want to get a better result of the task, even beyond the expectation.
I remember a book that was written by Gary Keller: The One Thing.
The important point of the book is about focusing on one thing that matters. It’s like a single-tasking habit. I know that dividing attention is not always easy. That’s why Gary Keller wrote about the importance of doing one thing, only one thing at a time for a better result. The more attention we give to one subject, task, project, or activity, the better we get the result.
What if we have a lot of tasks to be done?
Hmm, I also had ever been in that position.
However, we ought to still focus on one task, precisely the most important task first.
Last but not least, whenever you want to finish some tasks, you can apply this single-tasking habit. It’s time to focus on one thing. It’s time to finish the project one by one. It’s time to live a better life.
Keep growing, comrade!
