So now we know that multitasking is probably a bad idea and can be detrimental to your productivity, but how do we go about rectifying the habit:

Do you find yourself jumping from task to task without finishing any? This blog is going out to the multitaskers, now is the time to stand up and admit your problem. Trying to do everything at once means your not focusing on priorities, isn’t it better to have one important task finished rather than starting five others? At the end of the day no matter what line of business you are in, it’s what’s been done not started that’s important. Trying to jump from task to task means we’re not giving our best effort to anything constantly forcing our brain to switch from topic to topic means you’ll end up with lower quality work across the board researchers suggest you’re as much as 40% less effective when you try to multitask. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that multitasking not only resulted in reduced performance but longer projects and backlog because tasks aren’t getting completed.

1. Use Lists: We’re all familiar with “To Do” lists but these could be over a week or longer meaning tasks #1, #2 and #5 could be started and not finished on Monday while #3 and #4 get started on Tuesday, come Wednesday morning you’ve got 5 started tasks, none of which are finished and you has to submit them by the end of the week. Cue panic, stress, and sloppy work. Instead, try to make a list of things that must get done by the end of each day, 5 minutes each morning could save hours in the week.
2. Be A Finisher: No matter how simple the task is, finish it! This may sound like obvious advice but if you are a multitasker you need to hear it. Resist the urge to start that next task until you are done. Simple wins can give you a sense of achievement and go some way of breaking your multitasking habit.
3. Tidy Your Workspace: A cluttered desk with elements of multiple projects or tasks scattered all around can make your mind wander. Do not give yourself an excuse to lose focus on your task, keep your desk tidy and your mind on point.
4. Eliminate distractions & Interruptions: When you work on important tasks close your door, turn on do not disturb mode, everyone is different so do whatever you have to do to keep your mind focused.

So, go out and focus on friends, finish those tasks, and make better use of your time. Want to make sure you are getting the most out of your time at work? Maybe time tracking software could be a help to you and your business, at 1Time  we offer a 30-day free trial so why not give it a try and let us help you manage your time more effectively.