T I m e m a n a g e m e n t

Avoid Multitasking
There is a good deal of argument today over the concept of
multitasking. Some people feel that they are quite capable of
performing at high levels of productivity while they are
working on several tasks at once. The studies have now
proven that this idea is totally false.
What the experts have discovered is that multitasking is
actually “task-shifting.” The fact is that you can only do one
thing at a time. If you stop doing one task to turn to another
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task, you must shift all of your attention and energy to the
new task. When you turn back to the previous task, you are
simply making a shift of attention, like pointing a light beam
from one target to another. Then, you must bring yourself up
to speed on the old task before you get started again.
Dumb and Dumber
According to USA Today, each time you shift from one task
to another and back again, you burn up a certain amount of
brain energy and intelligence. At the end of a busy day of
multitasking, you can lose as many as ten IQ points. So, you
become progressively dumber throughout the day, ending
the day feeling burned out and often indecisive about the
smallest things, such as what you want to have for dinner or
watch on television that evening.
Multitasking is tempting, but it is an insidious use of
time. It can actually sabotage your career and undermine
your ability to accomplish the most important tasks upon
which all your success depends.
Decide to Concentrate
Resolve today to make it a habit to plan your work carefully,
set priorities, and then begin on your most important task.
Once you have begun on your top task or output, resolve
that you will work single-mindedly, without diversion or dis-
traction, until that task is complete.
One of the techniques used by highly productive execu-
tives is to work at home in the morning or evening, or on the
C O N C E N T R A T E S I N G L E - M I N D E D LY
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weekend, when you can concentrate single-mindedly with-
out interruption of any kind.
Another key to single-minded concentration is to avoid
the “attraction of distraction.” Instead of responding to every
e-mail or ring on your phone, “leave things off!” Close your
door, turn off all your devices, and put everything aside so
that you can work on the one task that can make the greatest
difference to your company and your career at this point.
When you make this a habit, your productivity, performance,
and output will double and triple, almost overnight.
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Overcome Procrastination
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