How many times a day do you switch from one unfinished task to another? If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking of a pretty high number right now. In a fast-paced business with lots of distractions and multiple projects to juggle, it’s very easy to succumb to multitasking and task-switching. Unfortunately, this can take a huge toll on your productivity – and even your sanity.
In an ideal world, we would all focus on one task at a time and see it through to completion (or to a determined stopping point). This ideal world is, in fact, not so far out of reach. In Devora Zack’s book, Singletasking: Get More Done – One Thing at a Time, Zack explores the science behind multitasking and makes a strong argument as to why we should all learn to “singletask.” Her actionable advice on how to become a singletasker is perfect for anyone struggling to stay focused on “one thing at a time.”
Here’s a summary from Amazon:
“Too many of us have become addicted to the popular, enticing, dangerously misleading drug of multitasking. Devora Zack was once hooked herself. But she beat it and became more efficient, and you can too.
"Zack marshals convincing neuroscientific evidence to prove that you really can't do more by trying to tackle several things at once—it's an illusion. There is a better way to deal with all the information and interruptions that bombard us today. Singletasking explains exactly how to clear and calm your mind, arrange your schedule and environment, and gently yet firmly manage the expectations of people around you so that you can accomplish a succession of tasks, one by one – and be infinitely more productive. Singletasking is the secret to success and sanity.”
