I used to think I was a master multi-tasker. And then I had kids. I learned pretty quickly that my brain cannot process two things at the same time. So, now I’m making a real effort to stop multi-tasking as much as possible.
Remember in Sweet Home Alabama when Earl Smooter said, “You can’t ride two horses with one ass, sugarbean.” (If you have never seen this movie, I’m not sure we can be friends.)
That’s how I feel about multi-tasking. Every time I try to concentrate on two tasks at once, I fall off both horses.
The opposite of multi-tasking is single-tasking. Single-tasking is focusing on one thing at a time and minimizing distractions until the task is complete. Can you even imagine?
But, before we throw the baby out with the bath water and swear to never do two things at once again, let’s take a look at the types of tasks we do.
High Concentration Tasks
There are some things I cannot do well when I’m being interrupted or distracted. I try to pick a time that I will be alone when I need to write, study my Bible or read a non-fiction book. I have learned not to multi-task when doing these high concentration tasks, so I do most of them in the morning before the girls wake up, during naptime, or at night before bed.
Medium Concentration Tasks
There are tasks that take some concentration, but that I can still do well even when my daughter is running through the house singing “Let it go.” This includes things like checking email, meal planning, or paying bills. Medium concentration tasks I do when my girls are playing. Even though they will want me occasionally, they are somewhat occupied enough for me to pay attention to other things.
Low Concentration Tasks
Then, there are tasks that require very little concentration at all– things like washing dishes, folding laundry, getting ready for the day, or taking a walk. Low concentration tasks do allow for multi-tasking. While doing the things I mentioned above, I could listen to a podcast or audiobook, watch TV, or catch up on Instagram Stories (a total guilty pleasure for me).
But, even when we know that we shouldn’t multi-task during certain activities, how do we stop? How do you train a mind to focus on one thing when it is used to being so divided?
How to Train Yourself to Stop Multi-tasking
Set time for “deep work.”
I consider high concentration tasks to be deep work. And, I can’t just do deep work on a whim. I have to plan exactly when it will occur each day, because I know only certain pockets of my day are conducive to high levels of concentration. For me, that is first thing in the morning, when both of my girls are napping, and after they go to bed.
Do your deep work first.
If at all possible, prioritize your high concentration tasks and tackle them early in the day. As the day goes on, things come up and it is easy to get sucked into someone else’s agenda for you, and at the end of the day, you realize you never found time for the most important things.
Start small.
If you are used to doing many things at once, concentrating on one task at a time will be difficult. You are retraining your brain. So, set the bar low at first. Focus on one task for just 10 minutes, and at the end of that 10 minutes, evaluate how you are doing and if you are able to do another 10 minutes. I find that once I get into a high concentration task, it is easy to keep going.
Minimize distractions.
Distractions are everywhere. People talking, TVs turned on, phone notifications, email dings, programs open on your computer, clutter everywhere. Shut as many of those distractions off as you can. Allie Casazza created a fantastic podcast episode on how to adjust your phone settings so you can be more present. Keep a notebook nearby, and if something pops into your head, write it down for later.
Say no.
Perhaps the reason you multi-task so much of the time is that you are overcommitted and have taken on too much. There is only so much that one woman can accomplish in one day. Decide what is realistic for you to manage, while still prioritizing your own needs like sleep and self care. You may have to say no to some of your existing commitments, and that is okay.
I would love to hear one activity or task that you are going to stop multi-tasking and focus solely on. Email me or send me a message on Instagram to let me know how you are taking action on these tips.
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