I’m talking time hacks on the blog every Friday in April. This is the third of four posts where I’ll share tips of how I maximize my time while triathlon training + racing, working full-time and fitting in quality time with family + friends.
Picture this: Nick and I have just finished dinner and are sitting on the sofa, feet up, and I’m covered with a blanket. The Daily Show’s on TV. My laptop’s on my lap, my iPhone next to me. And, I’m trying to write this blog post (with seven tabs open in Chrome). In between writing a few words… squirrel!… distractions are everywhere.
This isn’t always the case when I’m writing, but when it does happen… oof. I never feel more scatterbrained. Case in point: That’s how I started writing this post – scatterbrained in front of the TV – and finished it in half the time last Friday, a PTO day that wrapped up, undistracted, at a coffee shop in the skyway downtown Minneapolis.
So, really, to get anything done – writing, work and even training – requires quiet time and my next time hack: single tasking.
Time hack #3: Single task
Remember when multitasking was a skill to brag about (maybe it still is in some circles?!)? I don’t know about you, but when I try do two things at once that require my attention, neither one gets it undivided, resulting in lower comprehension, concentration and productivity. And, it makes me feel incredibly unsatisfied.
Perhaps this is one reason I love triathlon so much. It keeps me focused on single tasking and in the present moment – in the flow – completely in tune with m body and mind, aware of what I’m doing and how I’m feeling.
Here are a few ways to help you single task:
- Pomodoro. This technique uses a 25-minute timer to keep you focused. Hit start and work undistracted until the timer goes off 25 minutes later. I use Sipmle Pomodoro Timer (cannot find it in the iTunes store!), FocusTime and Tide (which has white noise like ocean waves).
- Music. Make a go-to playlist with songs that remind you to focus on the task at hand. For example, Girl Talk’s All Day mix is the only soundtrack I listen to on the trainer (for the past three years!). As soon as I turn it on, everything else disappears, and all I think about is the interval and minute I’m in.
- Turn off notifications. If you haven’t turned off all mobile notifications, do it RIGHT NOW. I did about 18 months ago, and it’s one of the best things ever. It’s great to not have a facebook, twitter or instagram notification pop up every minute, demanding my attention, which allows me to focus on the task at hand.
You’re up: How do you single task?
Week one: a day in the life… and, let’s talk time hacks
Week two: time hack #1 // routines
Week three: time hack #2 // plan ahead
6 Comments
The Pomodoro sounds life changing. I struggle so hard with multi-tasking, and at work I constantly feel like I’m doing everything really badly. I might give this a go this very afternoon!
It’s really helpful! It’s a hard mindset shift to back to thinking single tasking is productive because multitasking is so ingrained in us. Hope the pomodoro technique works! Let me know if you try 🙂
I used to multitask then I realized I wasn’t getting as much done as the times I focused on only one thing. I’m one of those people who LOVES to get stuff done, so it was a HUGE “aha!” moment. I’ve turned off notifications on my computer and phone and only check email a couple of times daily. If I find my brain racing, I stop and consciously tell myself, “One thing at a time.” It’s made an enormous difference for me–in a good way.
Yes, same here, Michelle! I’m so much more productive when I single-task (and don’t have notifications barraging me all day!). Did you see the NYT article on single-tasking today? Good stuff.
Love your use of positive self talk, too… such a helpful, important mental strategy!
Here’s the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/01/fashion/monotasking-drop-everything-and-read-this-story.html?_r=0
As you know, I’ve used timing to give undivided attention to a task in the past. Lately, I’ve been leaving my phone in another room while I’m writing, again to give the task my undivided attention. I also only have tabs open in Chrome if they’re references for an article or to be hyperlinked. I actually do all of my writing in Word, then copy and paste into WordPress!
Those are excellent tips, Danielle! Love the leave the cell phone in another room and writing in Word vs. WordPress. Totally gonna do those now, too. I have a hard time with only certain Chrome tabs open, though… ha! 🙂