Make a single-tasking plan

  • Keep a to-do list with focused, actionable items.
  • Visualize your to-do’s one at a time.
  • Schedule your daily to-do’s. Each task gets a specific time slot when you’ll only work on that one item on your list.
  • Create unrealistically short deadlines to  force you to stay focused.
  • Keep a timer on your tasks.Tracking how you spend your time at work forces you to commit to one task at a time.
  • Theme your days. By doing this, you give your mind clues as to what to place precedence on each day.

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Why Focus is Your Competitive Advantage at Work (plus 19 ways to actually do it)

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Why Focus is Your Competitive Advantage at Work (plus 19 ways to actually do it)

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  • Making a single-tasking plan

    Keep a to-do list with focused, actionable items. Visualize your to-do’s one at a time,  by writing them on sticky notes. Schedule your daily to-do’s. Create unrealistically short deadlines: it forces you to stay focused. Keep a timer on your tasks. Theme your days.

    Why Focus is Your Competitive Advantage at Work (plus 19 ways to actually do it)

  • Try Single-Tasking

    Resist the pressure to  multi-task,  which will leave you feeling scattered and with your powers of concentration spread thin.  Single-tasking – applying all your brainpower to a specific task for a short burst ­– is more effective. Close all the tabs on your browser, ignore your inbox and get to work.

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  • Pick a single thing to focus on

    When you're really struggling to get anything done, you should try this method, even if temporarily. When you look at your task list, pick a single thing to focus on that day. It could be one big task you really want to get done, or it could be a theme that relates to several of your tasks. Choosing a single task or idea to focus on can be a good way to remind yourself to stay on track whenever you find yourself getting distracted.

    How to Ruthlessly Prioritize Tasks to Get More Done

  • Batch Similar Tasks

    The main idea behind this time management technique is to collect up a group of similar activities and do them all in one swoop.  You can work efficiently on multiple tasks without losing your flow if the activities require similar mindsets. Batching forces your brain to be focused on one type of task at a time.

    23 Time Management Techniques of Insanely Busy People