Multitasking is nothing but juggling more than one task at the same time. It can be a very useful skill to have, especially when you are handling too many responsibilities.
Some people prefer to work on one task at a time, while others prefer to work on multiple things simultaneously. Both have their own merits and demerits.
In this fast-paced world, multitasking is an important skill to have because it can help you get more done in a shorter amount of time. It also helps you learn how to better manage your time, which can make you more productive. You can easily learn to multitask, even if it doesn't come naturally to you.
In this article, let's learn how to multitask like a pro with 15 easy tips.
How To Multitask: 15 Easy Tips For Successful Multitasking
1) Combine Autopilot With Learning
Tasks that you can do on autopilot include everyday chores such as doing dishes or cleaning up your room. These activities consume a lot of time but can be easily combined with simple productive activities.
For example, you can upskill yourself by listening to educational podcasts while doing everyday mundane activities. Not only will your chores get completed, but you will also have gained more knowledge in that short span of time.
2) Group Different Activities Where Possible
By grouping different activities together, you can accomplish a lot more than you can think. This is an excellent way to multitask.
For example, try listening to an audiobook or reading a book while commuting. This way, you are not only reaching your destination but also taking a productive step toward your goals.
3) Make Use Of Your Leisure Time
Another way to multitask is by making use of your leisure time. Plan on simple activities during tv breaks and ads.
For example, you can fill up your to-do checklist during your free time. This helps you save time in planning while you also enjoy your me time.
4) Plan Your To-Do List While You Shower
Have you ever felt that the most innovative ideas strike you while you shower? In the shower, your mind is at ease and you are not distracted by the day’s worries. It is also a perfect time to multitask.
Showering is a great time to make a note of your to-do list. As you relax in the shower, you can easily concentrate and mentally take note of your to-do lists. Jot them down on paper as soon as you step out of your shower before your thoughts go away.
5) Let Your Subconscious Work
Have you ever found solutions to your bugging problems as soon as you woke up? That is because your subconscious is working for you even while you are asleep.
Before you go to sleep, spend a few minutes focusing on a task or a goal. Visualize or read about what you want to achieve. Your subconscious will do its job and provide solutions to issues in ways you never expect. What an easy way to multitask and get more done!
6) Prioritize Your Tasks
One of the keys to achieving a multitasking lifestyle is to prioritize your tasks and stay focused on important ones. Keep your to-do list updated and prioritized for the day.
You may want to start by dividing your tasks into categories that are urgent, important, and less important.
For example, urgent tasks might include items like preparing lunches and responding to emails while less important tasks might include reorganizing your bookshelf or catching up on TV shows.
7) Combine Mundane Activities
Clubbing mundane activities helps you save time leading to more productivity. Here are some good examples of multitasking by combining two regular chores:
- Read the newspaper while making breakfast
- Shop online while watching TV
- Clean your house while listening to your favorite show on the radio
8) Follow Time Management
Following time management is the secret to successful multitasking. Planning and time management provides you with a proper structure for the day helping you to accomplish more.
List out what you need to do and what you want to do. Then organize your tasks so that you can get the most out of your time.
9) Commit To A Specific Schedule And Stop Procrastinating
Having a dedicated time slot where you are completely focused on your work can help you multitask easily.
Commit to a schedule for yourself. Set specific times for each task and make sure you stick to your schedule.
Procrastination is a thief of time and can become a hindrance to multitasking. Here are 15 Easy Ways To Stop Procrastinating And Achieve Success Faster.
10) Use A Variety of Tools To Keep You on Task at All Times
To stay organized and work effectively, you can utilize the tools and apps that are available today. They also help improve your speed of multitasking. Here are some apps that you can make use of:
11) Try Not To Focus On What Others Are Doing
The more you focus on what everybody else is doing, the less time you might have to do your own work. If you're constantly checking social media, checking emails, or browsing the internet it's easy to lose track of time and not be as productive as you could be.
Turning off any distractions will make a huge difference in how much time you will have to do your own work.
12) Delegate Or Outsource If Possible
If there is something that consistently takes up your time, delegate it to someone else who can take care of it.
You might be thinking, "Why not just do it myself?" It's a valid question. But if you are in the habit of doing everything yourself, you'll never be able to accomplish more in a day.
Remember that you can always outsource the things that take up your time and make your life easier. You don't have to do everything by yourself.
13) Work On a Small Chunk Of Tasks
Dividing your tasks into small chunks will help you not feel overwhelmed when you have a large to-do list for a day.
As you finish off the small chunks one by one, you will get a sense of accomplishment which will act as a motivating force. This is especially important when you want to multitask but are not sure where to start.
14) Work On Chunks Of Time
Just like working on small chunks of tasks, working on time blocks is equally important. Fixing time blocks for different tasks in a day will help you focus on that particular task at a given point. It can also make you complete your tasks faster than you planned.
For example - if you are a morning person, do the high-priority tasks as soon as you wake up. Because that is when your energy levels are the highest and you are the most productive.
15) Take Regular Breaks
Taking breaks might seem counterproductive when you want to complete a group of tasks by multitasking. However, It is essential to rest and boost your energy levels to keep going.
Taking small frequent breaks will prevent burnout and help you feel rejuvenated and get back to work with increased vigor.
Also Read:
Now that we have learned the tips to multitask, let's get some of the common questions answered on multitasking:
#1. How do you train your brain to multitask?
You can train your brain to multitask using the following simple ways:
Habit Stacking - Start with one important task and then add a related task on top of it
Rewarding Yourself - This gives you instant gratification and pushes you to do more
Atomic Habits by James Clear is an excellent book to learn how to pick up a new habit, including multitasking.
#2. Can you improve your multitasking skills?
Multitasking does not have to be complex. You can improve your multitasking skills by starting with small steps such as responding to less important emails while watching tv. Slowly you can integrate other tasks as you get comfortable switching between tasks.
#3. Why is it hard to multitask?
Multitasking is difficult because it can be a huge drain on productivity and time management. Many people who are trying to juggle multiple tasks at once have a hard time focusing on any one task. Hence, it gets harder to multitask and they get less done in the long run.
#4. What skills do you need to multitask?
The skills needed for multitasking are very different for everyone. Some people have good focus and can constantly switch between tasks without any problem. Others might need to take a break in between each task change or else they may get overwhelmed and make mistakes.
In general, the key skills you need to be an efficient multitasker are:
- the ability to switch between tasks easily
- planning
- organizing
- prioritizing
#5. How do you overcome multitasking problems?
Books are great resources to count on for finding solutions to your problems. Here are some books that can help you overcome your multitasking problems:
Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links and you will help me grab a coffee if you make a purchase through it. Regardless, I only recommend products I believe will tremendously help side hustlers and small business owners.
Downsides Of Multitasking
Like everything, multitasking has its downsides too. We often hear people saying they can do many things at once. However, this may not be always true.
Multitasking can lead to mistakes and forgetfulness. It can also be a huge stress inducer. You may feel like you are getting more done, but multitasking might slow you down and make you less productive overall.
You will be able to multitask successfully only by taking up how much you can do at a time.
Final Thoughts On How To Multitask
Some might say that multitasking is a myth. This is simply not true - provided you're doing it correctly. With time management and proper systems in place, you can successfully juggle multiple tasks at once.
Whether you're a business professional, a parent, or an entrepreneur, you know life can be hectic.
From the moment you wake up in the morning until the time you hit the pillow at night, you would have achieved a lot more than you thought you could, with multitasking.
Hope this post on how to multitask efficiently helped you in getting more done in less time.