{"id":2373,"date":"2015-10-29T13:55:52","date_gmt":"2015-10-29T20:55:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.knowledgecity.com\/?p=2373"},"modified":"2023-09-22T16:00:02","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T23:00:02","slug":"improve-your-multitasking-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.knowledgecity.com\/blog\/improve-your-multitasking-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"Improve Your Multitasking Skills in Four Simple Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

As technology advances, it creates numerous avenues for getting things done.\u00a0 We\u2019re working on multiple projects and performing various tasks all at the same time\u2014but what are the results?\u00a0 How much attention are we giving to each of our tasks? Are we really being that productive? According to a study on distracted drivers,\u00a0multitasking is a myth<\/a>, it was revealed that the brain does not perform two or more tasks at once\u2014something we like to believe it can do when we multitask.\u00a0 Instead, the brain actually performs these multiple tasks very quickly in a sequential order.\u00a0 This \u201cattention switching\u201d gives us the false feeling of doing more in less time.<\/p>\n

The trick to multitasking is to give yourself enough time to focus on one thing rather than believing you are doing two things at the same time. Here are some simple steps that you can follow daily in order to improve your multitasking skills and successfully complete multiple projects by their deadlines.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Create a Timeline, but ‘Go with the Flow’<\/strong><\/p>\n

Avoid worrying about the assignments you won\u2019t be able to finish and map out a timeline. Plan ahead to organize your tasks in a logical order either by difficulty, deadline, or priority. While foresight will give you a better idea of where to put your focus throughout the workday, don\u2019t let it be set in stone. A manager or colleague may ask you to switch gears for a moment. Rather than let this distract you, readjust your timeline accordingly without overlooking your main priorities.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Be Realistic<\/strong><\/p>\n

It would be ideal if we could diligently complete all our projects in one day, but sometimes this just isn\u2019t realistic. In reality, rather than doing two things at once, we are switching our attention on and off from one task to another. While the brain attempts to juggle multiple assignments, it must also juggle the focus and attention to each task; this results in a reaction time or delay.\u00a0 These delays may be a few tenths of a second or more.\u00a0 That may not seem like a lot, but they do add up.\u00a0 To avoid such delays, be honest about what you can\u2019t do and give yourself ample time to focus on one thing at a time before moving on.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Avoid Distractions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Handling multiple tasks is a distracting feat on its own. It\u2019s important to understand your company policy and make adjustments to limit distractions throughout your day.\u00a0 Focus on what you can control in your workspace. We can\u2019t always avoid coworkers trying to reach us, but we can request time alone to focus on an assignment. We can\u2019t always ignore clients in need of service, but we may be able to schedule a period of our day to handle phone calls and emails. Turning off your phone, minimizing your email window, or simply closing your door can improve concentration and, in turn, better your chances at finishing your to-dos.<\/p>\n

Step 4: Delegate or Ask for Help<\/strong><\/p>\n

Knowing where you can use an extra hand is a great way to cut time. List your everyday tasks, such as returning phone calls, writing content, uploading content, filing, etc. Which of these activities are simple enough for you to assign to someone else? Which of them require your expertise? For instance, you may be able to hand filing duties to an intern, but are unable to delegate writing content because you are the only expert on the subject. This step will play a huge role in decreasing stress and increasing productivity.<\/p>\n

Working on multiple projects and tasks does not mean you have to do them at the same time. Planning ahead, understanding each project, and giving yourself time are all keys to reaching deadlines.\u00a0 For more general work tips, try the\u00a0KnowledgeCity<\/a>\u00a0courses:\u00a0Strategic Thinking<\/a> and Problem Solving<\/a>. Get started today with a Free Demo<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As technology advances, it creates numerous avenues for getting things done.\u00a0 We\u2019re working on multiple projects and performing various tasks all at the same time\u2014but what…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2390,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":""},"categories":[4001],"tags":[107,109,72,110],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nImprove Your Multitasking Skills in Four Simple Steps - KnowledgeCity<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Need to improve your multitasking skills? 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