Singletasking: Get More Done One Thing at a Time

About the book: Singletasking tackles some of the common myths surrounding multitasking and productivity. Full of practical advice and tricks to help you get more from your day, Singletasking clearly demonstrates how immersive focus on a single task leads to a more efficient, and ultimately happier, life.

About the author: Devora Zack is a leadership consultant and founder of Only Connect Consulting. Her success in leadership consulting has served as the basis for her many books, including Networking for People Who Hate Networking and Managing for People Who Hate Managing.

My highlights:
What's in it for me? Become less stressed and more focused – and get more things done.
Learn to do ONE thing at a time, and ONLY one thing.
Multitasking isn't the answer to a hectic life; quite the contrary, it can even be fatal!
Our brain is simply incapable of focusing on multiple things simultaneously.Rather, it simply switches the focus of its selective attention between the various tasks it has to handle at any given moment. When your brain has to make the switch, your performance suffers, causing you to work less efficiently on the task you're currently focused on.
Our brain is simply incapable of focusing on multiple things simultaneously.Rather, it simply switches the focus of its selective attention between the various tasks it has to handle at any given moment. When your brain has to make the switch, your performance suffers, causing you to work less efficiently on the task you're currently focused on. Moreover, divided attention makes it more difficult for you to handle incoming data, as it hinders the information processing in your short- and long-term memory.
Our brains did not evolve to multitask.
Multitasking can also damage the brain. When you multitask too much, constant overstimulation and the stress associated with it cause the gray matter of your prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for complex thinking – to shrink.
Your brain releases a stress hormone called cortisol. This hormone reduces your ability to effectively complete any of those tasks, and further degenerates the hard-working neurons in your brain.In contrast, singletasking empowers you to achieve world-class performance.
Take control by developing an awareness of when your mind wanders and by eliminating distractions.
Multitasking doesn't necessarily mean a conscious effort to engage in numerous activities at the same time. It could be as simple as thinking about things other than the immediate task at hand.
Prioritize what is most important in any particular situation and commit fully to that activity, guiding yourself back into focus when your mind wanders.
Get through your stressful day by implementing simple hacks and techniques which help you singletask.
The cluster tasking technique, which combines similar activities and tasks into a single group in order to help you work more effectively.
Setting a timeframe for each cluster, deciding how you want to spread them throughout your schedule and completing the tasks.
Built-in flexibility in your schedule.
Build a buffer into your schedule, an unanticipated call from your boss or a sudden, important incident won't disrupt your routine, making it possible for you to singletask more efficiently.
Singletasking is the only way to give people your full attention.
Not only does singletasking improve your productivity at work, it also helps you further develop your social skills, empowering you to develop better, deeper connections with the people in your life.
Active listening, on the other hand, is a sign of respect, as you demonstrate to your conversation partner that you value both her and the conversation you're having.
Free time will rejuvenate you and improve your quality of life.
Singletasking is most effective when combined with regular breaks.
Give your brain some time to calm down and replenish its energy.
It's not unproductive to set aside some time solely for the purpose of reflection.