We’ve all heard about productivity, time management, and organized thinking. These concepts are often mentioned without clear guidance, and if you find yourself struggling to reach your full productivity potential, you are not alone. In a world filled with distractions like smartphones, social media, and hustle culture, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and drained by the end of the day without having accomplished your tasks. This can lead to guilt for not meeting your productivity goals, further distractions from looming deadlines, and a vicious cycle of unproductivity.
But there’s a new productivity hack making waves on social media that might just be the solution we’ve all been searching for. If you’ve come across “monotasking” on your TikTok feed and want to understand its significance or if you’re struggling with a workload that seems insurmountable, this article is for you!
What is monotasking?
Monotasking simply involves focusing on one task at a time. While this may seem obvious, in a world where multitasking and constant distractions are the norm, monotasking can be a challenging skill to master. Many of us have been taught to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it hard to switch to a singular focus. Monotasking requires shutting out distractions, including your phone, and concentrating on a single project until reaching a milestone or a specified time limit.
Source: @francois_et_moi
Why does monotasking work?
Research shows that multitasking leads to reduced focus and productivity, with potential mistakes and forgetfulness being common outcomes. By embracing monotasking, you aim to achieve a state of flow where you can fully concentrate on your work without distractions. This method eliminates the interruptions that occur when shifting focus between tasks, ultimately enhancing productivity.
You’ve convinced me! How do I get started?
Effective monotasking begins with planning. Determine the task you will focus on, set clear goals, and decide whether you’ll work alone or with others for accountability. Allocate a substantial amount of time, ideally at least an hour, to fully engage in the task at hand.
Source: @theeverygirl
Here are some tips to set up a successful monotasking session:
- Select one task to focus on and define your objectives for the session, whether it’s achieving a milestone or making progress within the allocated time.
- Allocate uninterrupted time of at least an hour and mark it in your calendars.
- Minimize distractions by silencing your phone, email, and social media notifications, and inform peers of your offline status during this period.
- Prepare your workspace with all necessary items to avoid interruptions. Have water, charging cables, headphones, beverages, and other essentials within reach.
- Use a timer without a countdown display to immerse yourself in the session without constant tracking of time.
What if I don’t want to monotask alone?
If you prefer not to monotask solo, consider working with friends to maintain focus. Group monotasking can provide accountability, especially for beginners. You can join virtual coworking spaces like Spacetime Monotasking, where participants work silently on individual tasks while being connected virtually. This community offers different session lengths to suit your preferences.
