How To Multitask Effectively
By Orla, March 30, 2014
Multitasking is no easy feat. You can tell yourself you’ll get this, that and the other done before the day is out but sometimes once you get stuck into one task, it’s all too easy to forget about the long list of other jobs you meant to get done.
To multitask effectively and actually save yourself some time, it needs a little bit of care and attention. Simply listing off a multitude of tasks before you tackle them isn’t enough, so here’s how you can get everything done in an organised and efficient manor:
1. Write a list and keep it in sight
As obvious as it seems, you need to put pen to paper and write down all your goals and tasks for the day if you don’t want to forget about anything. Keep the list in your sight at all times as a gentle reminder about what your priorities are.
2. Eliminate unnecessary tasks
Be realistic about what you can achieve in one day, remember – Rome wasn’t built in a day! If something isn’t high up on your priority list, scrap it and instead focus on following through on your more important tasks.
3. Group like with like
Because the brain can really only focus on one thing at a time, it makes sense to try and accomplish like-minded tasks together or closely followed by one another.
Your brain will find it much easier to focus on two similar tasks because you will already be in the right frame of mind, rather than one cleaning task, one financial problem and one culinary task for instance – which all require a different line of focus.
4. Use your time wisely
Don’t just tackle any random task on your list first, think logically about your schedule and allocate your time wisely. For example, if you know that you will be receiving a lot of phone calls at a certain time choose a task that can be easily paused.
Or alternatively, if you know that you will be sitting around in a waiting room use that time to catch up on important reading or studying etc.
4. What works for one person might not work for another
Take note of what works for you personally, if you find that doing paperwork in front of the TV takes twice as long as doing the paperwork separately and enjoying your favourite show on it’s own then don’t pair these tasks together in the future.
