I write this after a workout. While alternating between leg curl and its partner, leg extension, I listen to Trevor Noah philosophize with his “good friends” on the (de)merits of social media and consider the scribbles you’re now reading. Moments later, I’m waiting for dinner: my boyfriend’s redrafting, and I’m tapping away, inspired by those very adrenaline-fueled thoughts. I’m not great at single-tasking. But I’ve learned that in order for my goals to be better understood, I must turn my responsibilities into projects, and focus on them, one by one.
Here’s three reasons why single-tasking matters:
1. Single-tasking gives me focus.
It’s a defense mechanism to be busy. I feel productive and therefore proud of my work. My schedule is often stuffed, usually starting with waking up early to working to personal meetings to working out. But I’ve learned to give myself buffer time between obligations so that I can focus on the job at hand, reflect a bit, and then move onto the next project.
It’s annoying when I’m meeting with someone, and they’re clearly considering checking their texts or alternating between tabs on their computer. Single-tasking, whether for personal or professional projects, shows I’m there for the person or project individually. It helps that I’m an introvert, 1:1 work with great conversation is ideal.
2. Single-tasking lets me decide where I can best fill needs.
I tend to go “all in” once I’ve tried something. When I started volunteering at a food pantry, my friend saw the need for communicating our services, and I naturally signed up immediately for its budding committee. I now update the pantry’s site and edit print materials. I don’t have to do this, but when I see something that could use help that aligns with my skills, I join.
Because of my “helper” nature, I now try to give each project adequate time. Depending on the project, I work on it every month, weekly, or sometimes once a day. Though my service time is easier to schedule since others are dependent on me, I’m working on scheduling regular time for creativity. Maybe this is because my creative work isn’t regulated by others. I need to give more individualized time for this. Inspiration System helps. But I think if I start labeling creative work as “projects”, I’ll give myself assignments to reach milestones.
3. I single-task to find a proper place for each activity.
My interests are so diverse: competitive running, poetry writing, filming, rock-climbing, volunteering, and so much more. I’m happiest when each day has a blend of intellectual, interpersonal, and physical activity. So whether I’m at work, at the gym, or any of my favorite places, I know my goals for each spot, and each place has a role. I’ll get to that mentally happy place of doing good work faster. It helps to have special places for each personal activity, too. At the library, I’ll research. At the coffee shop, I’ll write.
But what about new activities? I give personal projects two-three chances to see if they’re worth my time. And if they’re specialized tasks that require memberships (money), I try going with a friend first to see if the community matches what I hope to get out of the experience, whether it’s a physical or interpersonal goal. The rock-climbing gym, for example, is obviously focused on bouldering and belaying. So the physical task is known from the start, but the secondary goal like interpersonal interaction matters too. So these goals set my focus.
I say that single-tasking is an art-form because it must be mastered. Yet I don’t think it’s particularly enforced in western culture. Perhaps you work in a specialized field, which may allow you to single-task. But are you still thinking about everything you have to do once you clock out? Is your phone screaming (vibrating) for your attention? If you’re like me, single-tasking outside of work is even harder, with so many activities and interests that can fill your day.
The heart of it? It’s not enough to choose what you like to do. Give yourself time and at least a chance to work on what you really like, then regulate it with scheduled time. I’m curious, are you a reformed single-tasker like me or does multitasking seemeasier right now? How do you focus on what you really like to do? Let me know in the comments!