Over the past few years, I’ve embraced the art of single-tasking—but it wasn’t always this way. For a long time, multitasking felt like the key to productivity. Juggling multiple tasks at once, checking items off my to-do list, and keeping busy seemed to signal efficiency. It became second nature, spilling over into every aspect of my life. I’d prepare dinner while managing household chores, all while handling responsibilities tied to my business.
Eventually, multitasking wasn’t just a habit—it was my default mode. Rarely did I focus on just one thing at a time, even during simple moments like eating breakfast. My laptop screen was always in front of me, my mind constantly bouncing between tasks. By the end of the day, despite completing everything in a frantic rush, I felt restless, anxious, and disconnected. Instead of a sense of accomplishment, I was left with an uneasy feeling, as if I had skimmed through the day without truly experiencing it.
When we multitask, we move through life on autopilot, going through the motions rather than engaging with intention. I believe that every action carries energy—positive or negative. When we rush through tasks without presence, we rob ourselves of the chance to fully experience them. We stay at the surface of our lives instead of immersing ourselves in the depth of each moment.
Realising this, I knew I had to make a change. I set a mindful challenge for myself: to rebuild the habit of single-tasking. Over time, here’s what I’ve learned about cultivating this practice:
Accept that distractions will happen
Distractions—whether external or internal—are inevitable. In multitasking mode, we react to them impulsively, jumping to the next task as soon as it enters our awareness. Instead, the key is to pause. When a distraction arises, acknowledge it, but gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Focus on completing one task before moving on to the next. With practice, this becomes easier, and you’ll notice a shift in how you engage with your day. While distractions won’t disappear, your ability to consciously choose where to invest your energy makes all the difference.
Infuse intention into small tasks
When we pour our full attention into even the simplest activities—like making a cup of tea or washing the dishes—we create space for gratitude and intuition. These everyday moments become opportunities for mindfulness, bringing a sense of calm and clarity. As a result, single-tasking isn’t just about productivity; it’s about learning to appreciate the small, beautiful details of daily life.
Lower your expectations of productivity
Many of us multitask because we equate busyness with productivity. We want to control everything, believing it will lead to the best results. But the truth is, we’re only human. Instead of trying to do it all, allow yourself the space to focus on one thing at a time—without the pressure of completing every task on your list. Prioritisation is still important, but tuning into what feels right at the moment helps create a more intuitive and fulfilling workflow.
Write ideas down instead of acting on them immediately
One of the biggest distractions while single-tasking is the constant flood of ideas and reminders. Instead of interrupting what you’re doing to act on them right away, keep a notepad (or digital list) handy. Jot them down and return to them later. This way, you won’t lose track of important thoughts, but you’ll also stay fully present in your current task.
Try this approach for a day and notice the difference. Since embracing single-tasking, I feel calmer, more connected, and more energised. There’s a quiet power in slowing down, in fully immersing yourself in each task, and in experiencing the richness of every moment.
Finally, let’s go over some practical ground rules to help you practice single-tasking.
- Only have one browser tab open at once (or set of tabs, if they’re related to one task).
- Focus on what you want to get done—if you’re not sure, it’s easier to get distracted.
- If you start reading an article, read it to completion or save it for later in an app like Instapaper—don’t leave it open all day in your browser.
- Use one app at a time on your phone, rather than switching quickly between several.
- When you’re interrupted or switch tasks, take notice of what you’re doing so you’re aware of your behaviour.
- Have more digital-free time.
In a world that celebrates constant busyness, it’s crucial to acknowledge the drawbacks of multitasking and embrace the power of single-tasking. By focusing on one task at a time, we can boost both productivity and creativity. Though shifting to single-tasking may take some intentional practice, the benefits in terms of higher-quality work and lower stress make it all worthwhile!
How do you incorporate single-tasking into your routine? Share your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!