Become Highly Productive by Single-Tasking

Are you an incredibly efficient multitasking superhero? It’s time for an upgrade. Single-tasking grows your productivity and improves your overall quality of life.

“Focus is not about saying yes. It’s about saying no.” — Steve Jobs

Two Truths About Work

I can’t quite recall where it started or who decided this, but at some point, it became trendy to be “busy” and “juggling multiple things.” Somehow, it became synonymous with being successful. I want to address that because, in reality, the opposite seems to be true.

Take note of these two truths:

1. If you’re doing small tasks simultaneously, you’re less efficient and tend to feel overwhelmed and stressed.
2. Blocking off a few hours to focus on one crucial task can make you much more productive, save time, and feel significantly happier.

Does that sound familiar? The contrast is like night and day. It’s the difference between sleepless nights and peacefully drifting off, content with your accomplishments.

Why Multitasking Is Less Effective

Multitasking—or, more accurately, task-switching, where you rapidly move between unrelated tasks—is remarkably ineffective. It’s far better to work on a critical task for extended periods. But what exactly is the secret behind these large chunks of focused time?

You Lose Less Time to Overhead

When coding, I open several browser tabs (as long as everything is related to one task, switching between applications doesn’t affect productivity). It takes a few minutes to get all the files I need in front of me, refocus on the code, and reach a productive rhythm.

Then, I receive a few messages. I unlock my phone to read them, leading to conversations and online searches. Five minutes later, I put my phone away and returned to work. Once again, I need a few minutes to get back into the flow and regain my productivity.

This reorienting process is the task’s overhead; every task comes with overhead. The more you switch tasks, the more often you deal with this overhead. And each time, you risk getting distracted in between (like checking your stats before returning to coding). It’s like repeatedly having to stop for a red light, just as it turns green when you’ve come to a complete stop—it’s a drain on energy and can be frustrating.

By working in large, distraction-free blocks of time, you avoid most of this overhead, making you far more effective.

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Single-Tasking Helps You Enter the Flow

Flow is that state where you become fully absorbed in your task and become one with your work. My keyboard is an extension of my body, and I think directly on the screen. Code appears articles flow, and everything seems more straightforward.

You enter the flow when you work on a task with deep focus, free from distractions or resistance. You move effortlessly forward without even realizing it, and this state of flow also fosters a sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Large blocks of uninterrupted time make it easier to slip into flow, helping you cultivate a productive and satisfying work experience.

Single-Tasking Sharpen Your Focus

Naturally, the less you have going on around you, the easier it is to focus on the task at hand. When you spend several hours working on one significant task, maintaining concentration feels almost effortless—especially if you’re working without distractions and have entered the flow state.

This sharper focus improves work performance and carries over to other areas of life. Concentration leads to quality, and quality often suffers when work becomes fragmented.

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” — Alexander Graham Bell

Single-Tasking Reduces Overwhelm

Multitasking leaves you feeling stressed, busy, and overwhelmed. I notice this on days when I work through my “back to zero” checklist. I try to tackle various small tasks (clearing emails, responding to social media, emptying the to-do app), often attempting to do them all at once.

The result? I’m happy with my empty inbox but feel scattered and overwhelmed by the fragmented focus. My mind is filled with everything I just touched upon, and I often need a break afterward.

My best workdays are those where I have just one primary task. Not only do I get more done, but I also feel happier and more at ease. Plus, I create more meaningful work, like writing articles.

Switching between unrelated tasks increases stress and decreases your overall effectiveness. While multitasking may appear trendy and essential, it comes at a cost.

Multitasking Makes You Busy, Not Productive

Sure, we all secretly want to be a multitasking marvel—someone who can juggle multiple things simultaneously and keep everything running smoothly.

But it doesn’t work—at least not for long. In the meantime, we feel overwhelmed and have barely made any progress.

Why Multitasking is Inefficient:

1. Time, energy, and attention are constantly lost when you switch tasks.
2. Tasks become more complicated, which increases the likelihood of errors.
3. While you crave peace and calm, multitasking creates an environment of chaos.
4. The human brain is built to focus on one thing at a time. Trying to do otherwise drains an excessive amount of energy.

Let’s stop. Let’s embrace single-tasking for more calm, better productivity, and improved work.

The Magic of Single-Tasking

Single-tasking is magical. Why? Because it’s simple to do and provides you with immense benefits.

When you start single-tasking, you’ll find that your ability to focus improves. This increased concentration allows you to work through complex problems more quickly. You’ll regain your sharp thinking abilities.

Additionally, focusing on one task at a time makes it easier to enter the flow state. You lose track of time and become one with your work. This is wonderful because flow makes you happier. It reduces stress and increases your sense of fulfillment from your work.

You’ll also find that you get a lot more done. Task after task, you’ll experience a level of productivity you can’t achieve while multitasking. You’ll check off one task after another. No more being surrounded by dozens of half-completed projects. And that sense of accomplishment gives you a tremendous boost.

Benefits of Single-Tasking:

1. Your work gains more focus, leading to higher quality.
2. You become far more efficient in completing tasks.
3. You’ll quickly improve at work by giving it your full attention.
4. You’ll enjoy your work more and experience less stress.
5. You’ll also learn to savor your free time, enjoying one thing at a time.
6. You’ll get better at studying or reading without distractions.
7. You’ll lose yourself in tasks that are worth your attention.

That’s why single-tasking is so incredibly valuable.

How to Get There

This all sounds great, but how do you make it happen? How do you focus on one thing at a time, especially when it feels like you should be juggling five things right now?

Here’s how:

1. Clear your workspace. Clutter leads to distractions.
2. Commit to focusing on one task at a time.
3. Do less in a day. Don’t overload your schedule. Plan 1-3 essential tasks and work through them individually.
4. Take mental breaks between tasks. After working with full concentration, it’s good to recharge by doing something simple.
5. Enjoy your work. Don’t stress over the results. Try to enjoy the process of doing the work.
6. Identify what matters most at the moment. Grab that task and dive in.
7. Go fullscreen when working on a computer to reduce distractions.
8. Turn off notifications. Put your phone in airplane mode while focusing.
9. Set boundaries when people try to interrupt you. A simple “I’ll get back to you after I finish this task” works wonders.
10. Wear headphones to signal that you’re focused, and music can help you get into the flow.
11. Surrender to the task. Don’t worry about what’s next; focus on what’s now.
12. Give yourself time to improve. You’ll improve over time, but don’t expect instant results. You’ll get distracted now and then, and that’s okay.
13. **Start your day with your most crucial task. This will set the tone for an adequate, productive flow.
14. If you feel tempted to check email or switch tasks, pause and bring your focus back.
15. Mix large tasks with small, manageable tasks to keep the momentum going. Crossing things off your list is good for motivation.
16. Watch your posture. Breathe deeply, keep your shoulders relaxed and your back straight.
17. Stay hydrated. Keep a jug of water nearby—just a small dehydration drop can lower your concentration.
18. Write down other tasks that pop into your mind and return to them later after completing your current task.
19. Prioritize finishing ongoing tasks over starting new ones. It’s tempting to begin something new, but finishing offers more satisfaction.

Take on a task and work on it mindfully, without distractions. Let single-tasking improve your life, one task at a time.

“The secret to success is focus and consistency.” — John C. Maxwell

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