The art of multi-tasking 1
Inspired by a recent conversation with Laleh, Grace and Levi over at FreshBooks, I thought I’d share some of my insights on the art of multi-tasking. Here are some tips to keep you in the Flow when a dozen things are flying your way.
1. Choose your battles
Whenever you can single-task, do it! Your productivity peaks once you’re in the zone.
Studies consistently show that single-taskers get things done faster and more efficiently than multi-taskers. For example, a study for Hewlett Packard found that workers interrupted by e-mails and phone calls were less productive than pot smokers!
Of course, in many cases, reality forces us to multi-task. But when you do have a choice, this is your cue to put everything else on hold and finish the current task first. Your brain will thank you later.
2. Combine smartly
When you choose to multi-task, do it in a non-interfering way. For example, when I’m on the phone with a friend, I’m often doing mindless chores in the background. Emptying the dishwasher and folding laundry are boring on their own, but combine them with an engaging conversation, and they get done without even noticing.
3. Introvert or extravert?
Self-knowledge is key. We all know that introverts tend to be shy and extraverts are more talkative, but it’s deeper than that. Introversion and extraversion are like two ends of a spectrum that everyone has within them. There are moments when you need to be alone to recharge your battery, and other times that call for a lunch out with friends. That being said, most people do have a dominant side. If you’re not sure which way you lean, try this personality test.
Your inner Extravert has a natural advantage in multi-tasking. Extraverts are energized when interacting with the world around them, and they share their enthusiasm with everyone. You could say they get bored when they’re not multi-tasking! Outside stimulation drives them to excel. If you’re an extravert, your biggest challenges lie in concentrating and following through.
That’s where your inner Introvert comes in. Introverts are great listeners. You can concentrate, put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their situation.
In short, use your Extravert to switch between tasks and your Introvert once you engage one-on-one with that task.
4. Eliminate channels
The flow of new info is dangerously addictive. Cut out any channel you can. If you’re already multi-tasking on things you need to do, you can’t afford extra clutter competing for your attention.
- Turn off that e-mail alert. Set your own pace for how often you actually want to check your inbox.
- Don’t need to
IM right now? Don’t go “away”. Actually close the app. - Unsubscribe from useless e-mail lists (check out Gmail’s new auto-unsubscribe)
- Keep a clean desk, workspace and zero inbox.
- Don’t need your ears for the next hour? Pop in some earplugs.
- Designate specific hours for certain tasks. The “office hours” system works well for many university professors. Students are conveniently funnelled.
- Never eat lunch at your work desk. If you can afford a real break, actually leave the building. Go for a walk. Clear your mind.
- Too many Firefox tabs open? Use the “bookmark all tabs” feature, then “close other tabs”. Don’t burn yourself out. Look at those other ones later.
Stay tuned for part 2…
