Single-tasking means doing one task at a time with as little distraction and interruption as possible. But social media, among other distractions doesn’t always make it possible.
Often times, workers find themselves caught in-between switching from one app or social media platform to another.
For this reason, most find it hard to concentrate on one task at ago, making it hard for an employee to be productive at the end of the day.
However, single-tasking can be beneficial as long as one knows how to go about it. It is believed to result in higher quality results more quickly.
Task switching important processes makes things take longer. Net photo.
Gilbert Tuyiringire, an expert in the construction field says that when one tries to multitask, in the end, they end up being stressed which affects their productivity.
He points out that although we are living in a world that requires multitasking, there is a need to single-task in all circumstances.
"In my field, for instance, it requires a lot of multitasking to be able to finish some tasks. However, there is a huge benefit when one starts by ruling out and focusing on one thing at ago. This is because this is a field that requires keenness, therefore, if you work on different things at ago, you will end up doing shoddy work,” he observes.
Besides, Tuyiringire says single-tasking is proven to help one get tasks done quicker and at a higher quality than trying to do multiple things at once.
How to it should be done
Theophile Ntirushwamaboko, a businessman in Kimironko, Gasabo District says it’s normal for one to feel distracted or have the need to try out many things at ago. However, understanding that this can lead to less work done is important.
In order for one to do away with this, he advises to strive at getting rid of distractions including the phone, which he believes is the first distraction for almost everyone.
He goes on to note that depending on where one works from, there is also a need to close some apps and browsers so as to concentrate on one thing.
Another entrepreneur, Clarisse Gwaneza is of the view that starting with what you can manage within a specific time is important.
She advises that one can achieve this by always setting time for doing a specific task and when to finish it.
Depending on the work you are doing, she says one can have rest or breaks in between so that they don’t get exhausted or bored in the process of wanting to concentrate on one task at ago.
Writer Melanie Summers notes that our brain is like a muscle, and it needs training. It needs regular intervals of strength training and rest.
Single-tasking for most of us is not natural, it’s hard and often feels uncomfortable, especially if we aren’t used to it. It almost can feel claustrophobic. However, just as cardiovascular exercise is hard and makes us tired and sore, ultimately we know it’s good for us. Single-tasking is the same way. It helps our brains train to enter that state of flow, feel less stress, and actually enjoy the work that we’re doing, she explains.
The pattern here is simple: Task switching important processes makes things take longer because you’re constantly interrupting yourself. Single tasking will also help improve your time management as you understand how long something takes to complete. You’ll be able to plan out long-term projects and set realistic timelines for your life goals.
"So now we understand that single tasking helps improve our attention span, aka, our focus. This includes our life’s focus as well. As we get more comfortable entering that state of flow, we can concentrate on our goals. One thing at a time is more manageable, isn’t it?”