Don't you have the impression that doing only one thing at a time is no longer enough? If you want to be multitasking, with the aim of saving time, you have to be careful and precise.
Steps
Step 1. Set your goals
The old saying, "If you don't know where you are going, any road is good," is also true if you are pursuing multiple activities.
Step 2. Organize yourself to give your full attention to the most complex and intense tasks
If you prefer, set aside an hour or two a day for those activities that require your full concentration.
Step 3. Work on one thing at a time, but alternately
Jugglers can have many objects in the air, but they usually only manipulate one at a time.
Step 4. Delete those activities that are not needed
If you want to be multifunctional to be more efficient, don't waste time doing extra things. The exception is a background activity that helps you pass the time. For example, listening to the radio or a recorded book can help you while doing a boring job like painting a wall, so that's fine.
Step 5. Choose activities that are compatible with each other
For example, you may find that reading and listening to a speech requires the same kind of attention. Instead, try combining a physical task, such as ironing, with a mental task, such as listening to the radio.
Step 6. Choose activities that you can stop
Especially if you have to carry out actions that involve frequent interruptions (such as a ringing phone); combine tasks that you can "pause" easily.
Step 7. Make a selection of small projects or simple tasks that you can do to fill the dead time of a larger project
This means that you can follow a large task as a priority, but take on side activities whenever you find yourself waiting for information or inspiration for the larger project.
Step 8. Use the wait time efficiently
Bring something to do, especially in those places where you expect to have to wait a long time (at the airport, at the post office, or at the dentist). A simple thing to take with you is a book. A diary or notebook to jot down ideas or whatever is also a good idea.
Advice
- Try not to overdo it; if you think you can't complete two tasks at the same time, break them down into smaller pieces and start with them.
- Take the time to organize yourself. Even if planning does not mean doing, good planning can make the activity more complete.
- Bring something to do with a meeting, especially if you anticipate that there are topics that don't directly concern you. If there are several topics in a meeting that don't involve you, try to participate only in the relevant moments or not go there at all.
- Exercising and walking is 'your' time. Dedicate yourself to these activities at lunchtime, to save even more time.
- See what works and what doesn't. If doing household chores in front of the TV takes twice as long as doing these two actions separately, don't combine them in the future.
Warnings
- Always pay full attention to activities that could impact safety.
- Do not overdo it. Don't do so many things at once that no one can do. Also, don't make too many commitments, you could get too stressed out.
