Harness the Power of Single Tasking – Get My Top 5 Reasons

In recent years with the emergence of technology in the form of Blackberries, iPods and laptops, there is really no excuse left for anyone not to be multitasking and reachable at any moment.

We check email while having dinner, text while at meetings, work on a spreadsheet while watching TV, and browse the web while outlining our goals for the next year…

One may think that mankind has increased its productivity many times over in recent years, but have we really? Studies show that the opposite is actually true; multitasking uses more time per activity and increases stress.

As an entrepreneur I understand that I am extra “vulnerable” to multitasking since I wear so many hats in my business. I admit that I have been guilty of multitasking in the past, however as my business grows and my awareness of how essential it is to use my time wisely, I have shifted to single tasking more and more and seen great results.

Also, as I study other successful business owners I have noticed a common theme of “doing less and doing focused” being attributed as a main component for their successes. So it is not always about working harder, it is about working smarter and with greater awareness, and that brings results in line with your purpose!

Here Are My Top 5 Reasons for Single Tasking:

• Makes You More Creative

You are more creative when you single task since you fully immerse yourself in the task at hand and surrender to the present moment and harness the power of Now.

It is when you are truly present that you open the channel for “divine downloads” to happen. The depth of the insights you get during those intensely focused moments may bring forth to your conscious awareness the Big Idea that will take your business or life to the next level.

• Makes You More Productive

Single tasking actually increases your productivity for a couple of reasons.

First, you are being proactive instead of reacting to stimulants from your surroundings, as you choose the task at hand. As a “single-tasker” you are unlikely to decide to do things like “aimlessly surf the web for 30 minutes”.

Secondly, you save more time the more complex a task is, since complex tasks require deep concentration, and it takes time to achieve that state of deeper focus. So lots of time is lost each time you must re-enter that deeper state.

• More Enjoyable

There is nothing quite as satisfying as being able to dive deep into a project and stay with it until it is completed. If you have never done that I urge you to give it a try, and experience first hand the satisfaction and increased enjoyment single tasking will bring to your days.

• Increases Quality

It should come as no surprise that the quality of the work you produce, or the relationships you build, are greater if they don’t have to compete for your attention with another task or gadget.

• Gives You Natural Boundaries between Work and Home Life

The importance of boundaries for both productivity and health has been downplayed in recent years. The line between work and home life has become increasingly blurred, and it is easy to never have time off, aside from when you sleep. This is especially important if you work from home, as most entrepreneurs do.

Boundaries that give you true downtime may not be exciting, but are essential to recharging your batteries. Constantly checking email actually produces a steady flow of adrenaline, a stress hormone linked to premature aging and degenerative disease.

Now go ahead and use my reasons above to re-evaluate how you use your time and rediscover the power inherent in single tasking!