You probably believe that multitasking makes you efficient and highly effective.
Well, that’s just a big fat MYTH!
While you think you can focus and multitask at the same time, research has proven that the results are less than desirable.
Focus is actually a learned skill—and, like all other skills, it needs to be nurtured and cultivated. Odds are, you haven’t had many opportunities to actually do that.
Think about what you learned during the first twenty-plus years of your life. Neither school nor your first jobs promoted focus.
In fact, you were probably praised for your ability to multitask. This only reinforced the exact opposite of what you actually need to succeed, which is focused activity.
Here’s the hard truth: being efficient and being effective are two very different things. According to the American Psychological Association, the brain is just not set up to multitask.
When you’re doing all that mental juggling, you are switching between lots of activities at once. Therefore, you’re probably not performing any of these activities very well. What’s worse, you’re probably not finishing many of them.
When I work with my clients, one of the first things I do is give them a GREAT GIFT. Something they have always wanted, but never chose to get for themselves. I call it ME TIME.
We start out small. I make them commit to 30 minutes of uninterrupted time of solitude three times a week. It’s usually on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Time set aside to think, strategize, and work on the highest activities that will drive their business.
I realize you may not have a coach or accountability partner, so this is going to be difficult to do on your own, especially if you’ve never done it before. But if you really want to improve your effectiveness…give it a try…it will be worth it!
Go ahead and block out 30 minutes on your calendar starting each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Set a reminder on your phone and in Outlook, which can be used as a “trigger”, to get you to stop whatever you are doing. Yes, stop whatever you are doing, and spend time on the most important task you need to accomplish that week, or spend the time analyzing your business metrics.
Now here’s the tough part (you can do this).Turn off your phone, shut your door, and tell your admin that you are not to be disturbed…period!
Since I know you will really value this gift, I’ll accept your Thank You in advance!
As always, have a great week!