Today we ask that you do one thing at a time.
Do one thing at a time.
If you have issues with productivity, feeling overwhelmed, or burned out — do one thing at a time.
In the modern world, there is this thing called multi-tasking, which is a very ridiculous idea that productive humans are supposed to do many things all at once.
Trying to do things all at once just means things get done poorly and inefficiently — or not at all. It is not an intelligent way of doing things.
Many of you may have experienced what it is like to talk to someone on the phone when they are distracted by what is on their computer or phone, or by some other activity. The person cannot really focus on what you are saying. It is hard to communicate clearly, and you do not feel listened to. You cannot have a good conversation this way.
It is like this with everything. You cannot do many things at the same time with any sort of clear focus, or attention.
If you believe multi-tasking makes you more productive, this is simply not true.
If you really want to be effective and accomplish things, learn to do one thing at a time, and one thing only, with real focus.
If you are working on a project, do that. Do not also check your phone every two minutes.
If you are cooking a meal, do that.
If you are caring for a child, do that.
Just do what you are doing with your full attention.
If you want to spend time looking at social media or browsing the internet, then do that. But just do that. Set aside a specific time to do that. Set a timer. Give yourself fifteen minutes of just doing that, and nothing else.
The voice in your head may argue that you do not have enough time in the day to get things done without multi-tasking, but this is an illusion. It is not true.
If you do things one at a time, with your full attention, you will accomplish far more than you think is possible.
This really works.
Notice your level of distraction, how your mind flits from task to task, thought to thought.
A distracted person is like a fluttering butterfly, blown this way and that in a breeze. There is not much power there.
A focused person is solid, and present. Like a rock, you are there, fully. No breeze can blow you about. There is a huge amount of power there.
If you are someone who believes there is never enough time in the day, if you feel constantly overwhelmed — then do this.
Do one thing at a time, and do it with your full attention.
This includes taking breaks, and resting. If you are resting, really rest. If you are stimulating your mind, you are not actually resting. You are still busy doing something. When you rest, rest.
Try it. What do you have to lose?
wordfromthewell 