Single-Tasking Is The Mindful New Pushback To Our Multitasking Culture.

When we single task, we focus completely on one job until it is done. Only then do we start another. This method sounds simple, and it is. However, it can be deceptively difficult to get used to.

Here are four ways to succeed at this new productivity hack:

1. Ground Yourself.
Often, we switch from one activity to another because we do not feel fully grounded in our current task. Subconsciously, we are on a continuous search for our footing. Avoid this by establishing solid ground before you start. Take a deep breath, meditate, pray, or connect with a loved one. Drink a cup of coffee. Pet your dog. Do what makes you feel mentally and emotionally at ease. Then, get to work.

2. Take Control Of Your Time.
Establish a schedule, and stick to it. This not only prohibits procrastination, but, if done properly, can also encourage mindfulness. For example, suppose you have decided to work on your taxes from 4pm to 6pm. In mindful scheduling, this would mean that tax-related worries are completely confined to this time. They are not allowed to cloud your morning meeting or distract you from the lunch you are having with your partner. This task will have only the time and power you have given it. It will not ruin your whole day.

3. Start Small.
Select a small part of your day, and complete a very simple task singularly and mindfully. For example, commit yourself to a mindful breakfast. Cook, eat, and clean up with nothing to focus on except for the company of your family. This means no phone, newspaper, computer, or television. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. See what you learn about one another. Engaging in these small mindful moments will build your confidence and increase your ability to focus. This will help you to bring single-tasking into more difficult projects.

4. Don’t Give Up Too Easily.
Most of us multitask habitually. It can be hard to break that mindset, and will likely require several tries. Was “mindful breakfast” with the family a bust? Try this game with your co-workers. During happy hour, pile your cell phones in the middle of the table. The first person to touch theirs has to pay the check.

If Single-Tasking Doesn’t Work For You At First, That Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Worth Doing. It Just Means You Need More Practice In Order To See Results.

Article Source: http://unisoultheory.com/index.php/2017/02/10/single-tasking-minimizes-stress-boosts-productivity/
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VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Multitask - The activity of doing more than one thing at the same time, such as talking on
the phone while you are working on a computer.
2. Brag - To talk about your achievements or possessions in a proud way that annoys other
people.
3. Pursuit - the process of trying to achieve something
4. Meditate - To make your mind empty of thoughts, or to concentrate on only one thing, in
order to relax or as a spiritual or religious exercise.
5. Cloud - Something unpleasant that spoils an activity, event, or situation

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Which one is more efficient for you, Multitasking or Single-Tasking
2. What are the advantages of single-tasking?
3. Why do most people prefer multitasking over sing-tasking?
4. How can we succeed in single-tasking?