Today’s business world is extremely fast paced and can be stressful. In this environment, multi-tasking often becomes a necessary skill, but can leave you frazzled and feeling unaccomplished if not done properly. Use these tips to ensure that you are multi-tasking efficiently and effectively.
Identify What You Need to Do
Create an inventory list of everything that needs to be done. Make sure your list is detailed, note deadlines or due dates. Once you have a list written on paper, you do not need to go over it in your head several times and risk losing track of something important.
Prioritize Tasks
Ask yourself:
- What tasks will have a negative consequence if you put them off?
- What task will give you the biggest reward if completed now?
- What are the long-term tasks that can be completed over time?
- What are the short-term tasks that need to be worked on immediately?
Break Up Large Tasks into Smaller Milestones
A big task becomes easier when you break it down into smaller tasks. Break up your larger tasks into small, realistic steps that you can actually picture yourself getting done. If you find yourself avoiding something, break it down into even smaller steps that can be more easily be completed.
Set Time Frames
When you have a deadline on a task, you can really focus your attention on just that task knowing it needs to be completed at a certain time. For example, if you only have 20 minutes to complete a project, center your attention on only that project, so that you can get it finished in the allotted time and move on to the next one.
Get to Work
Sometimes, you just have to suck it up and get to work. Don’t procrastinate, don’t get distracted, just sit down, focus and get the task done. Often, it will be easier than you had imagined once you get started.
Switching Gears
When you have completed a task, release all emotional energy attached to that specific task. You do not have to think about that task any longer and it is time to move on to the next. Here are some tips to help:
- Work on Related Tasks Together- If it is possible, try to group similar tasks together, so you do not have to mentally make a huge adjustment between different tasks.
- Work in Intervals- You typically use most of the glucose in your brain within 60-90 minutes. After you have worked on a task for that long, get up and take a break so that you will not feel burnt out.
Stick to your Plan
To be effective at multi-tasking, you have to follow strict time management skills, and you need to work by a calendar. Honoring your plan can actually provide you with relief and help you gain more control over your life.
Looking over a long to-do list can be intimidating. However, with these tactics, you can make your tasks more manageable. Remember to identify, prioritize, and segment your tasks. Once you have completed getting organized; get to work. Switch gears as needed to stick to your plan. With these tactics, you can complete multiple tasks successfully throughout the day, without losing control or sending your stress levels through the roof.
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