The ability to multitask is no longer a skill that you can overlook. In today’s time, being able to multitask is looked at as a valuable asset and can actually set you apart from the rest. With how quickly things come and go nowadays, not being able to multitask usually results in missed out opportunities. That being said, it’s not just about being able to do multiple things at one time, it’s also about doing all those things with all the distractions around you. It’s about focus and discipline. Here are a few tips that might come in handy and help you become a better multitasker.
1. Club Related Tasks Together
When you start working on something, your brain activates all the circuits and neurons for that particular task. When you end up switching to a new task, it needs to start adjusting and redirecting. While the shift happens quickly, it can break your chain of focus and productivity and even impact your memory. Basically, every time you switch to a different task, you’re losing time. You can help prevent the constant switching by bundling things that are related, together. This allows you to switch between them easily.
2. Make A To-Do List
When we work in chaotic environments, it’s essential to keep a note of all important tasks so that we don’t miss out on them. Your ability to multitask and your workflow pretty much depends on your environment. So, to stay on top of your work, you need to keep reminding yourself what you really need to get done. Just making the list isn’t the end. You need to make sure that your list is visible at all times. Colour coding the most important tasks is also a great way to keep track of them.
3. Make Use Of Your Downtime
When you multitask, the chances are you may not remember every single thing you’ve processed. It could be considered a drawback of sorts. However, make it a habit to take notes and use your downtime to review it. In your downtime, your brain is at ease so it allows you to retain more information. This has a better chance to solidify it in your memory.
4. Planning Ahead
In order to be able to multitask more efficiently, it’s important to get a headstart and plan your day out. Also, the order in which you arrange the work that needs to be done plays a vital role. For better performance, it’s a good idea to start with the most demanding tasks first. Then fill in the gaps with shorter, well-defined or self-contained tasks. It also helps to gather information or resources you may need for a later task, in your downtime or during less time-consuming tasks.
5. Delegating Tasks
Another important part of multitasking is knowing when you need to start delegating tasks. We’re human and it’s important to remember that you can’t possibly do everything on your own. Also, when you delegate tasks to other people, it allows you to focus on the important tasks at hand. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Delegating doesn’t mean that you are incapable of doing it, it means that you know yourself well enough. It also means that you know your capabilities and boundaries.
6. Steer Yourself Away From Distractions
A major skill you need to learn is how to stay away from distractions. Any interruptions can easily mess with your schedule. It’s essential to find a place that you can work the way you want and without much going on in the background. Sometimes, you can’t help the situation and chaos around you. For moments like this, it’s important to be able to tune out. For a lot of people, music is the solution.
7. Make It A Habit
If you train your mind well enough on learning to switch between tasks, it will soon become a habit and something that will come to you naturally. The longer you train yourself, the less you overthink everything.
How do you manage to multitask and what do you do to keep the distractions away? Let us know in the comments below.
Don’t forget to follow us at @missmalinilifestyle to never miss a beat!