How to Stay on Task :: on Mantras + Multi-tasking

It is so very easy to get distracted in the midst of our work. Sometimes we distract ourselves (hello, Social Media). Sometimes we are interrupted. And sometimes we think that multi-tasking is the only way we can get anything done.

For example, at work, you might be in the midst of a project (being very deliberate to only work on this one task) but you need to go to email to grab something related to the project. While you are in your email, you see something new – something interesting – or better, something that you could probably answer right away. And answering this question will be more satisfying than continuing with the project-related task.

That satisfaction (of small task completion) is backed up by neurological evidence. Your brain wants the satisfaction of completing that task! You like closed loops – in fact, you get a dopamine hit every time you close a loop. And the project work you started, which won’t really be done for days, certainly does not satisfy the need for completion.

In the midst of these distractions, we often don’t even realize how far we’ve gotten from the original task.

This same phenomena happens at home too. For example, I might go to the basement (or garage) to grab something, I get distracted along the way, and by the time I am back in the house I have no idea what I was doing. Our brains are wired to be hyper-alert. It’s no wonder we easily stray off task!

Here’s a technique to keep us on task.

It might sound simple and hokey, but know that your brain responds well to the consistency of repeated phrases. When you notice yourself stray off task, repeat this mantra to yourself: “That’s not what I’m doing right now.” (courtesy, Allan Brown) The return to the original task. Over time, you will condition yourself to be distracted less and less.

If a different mantra would work better for you, go ahead and use your own!

A note on multitasking (a form of self-distraction)

It’s possible that you are choosing your own state of distraction by multi-tasking. It’s been proven that humans cannot give 100% attention to two tasks (that require cognitive functioning) at the same time. For example, we cannot effectively process a conference call discussion while simultaneously responding to email. We might hear that someone is speaking, but we probably cannot piece their words into meaning.

Now, I consider myself a realist and I know at times, we have to do this type of switching. I believe as long as we recognize that we are *deliberately* tuning out to switch to the other task, it’s ok. Let’s just not fool ourselves in thinking we are giving 100% to both tasks!

Your Turn

How do YOU handle forms of distraction? Do you work in an open space environment? Do you need complete silence in order to get anything done? Does your job even require time for ‘deep work’ or is it just a series of task-like efforts that have become somewhat automatic? Please share in the comments below. I am fascinated by how people work!

About Linda Stacy

Linda is a Boston-based Productivity Specialist and author of The Whole Package Professional: The Definitive Guide to Productivity, Success and Fulfillment in Business and Life. She created the LivingBluPrints System based on her experience as busy professional in the management consulting industry, an entrepreneur, and years of research, training, and living her best life.

Linda brings her transformative Productivity Workshops and On-Site-Seminars to corporate audiences, entrepreneurs, and hyper-busy professionals.

When the time is right, connect with Linda (linda@livingbluprints.com | 617.512.9572) to help you or your team build your blueprint to succeed in 2017!