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Monotasking vs Multitasking: Productivity Hack

In today’s always-on world, the debate between monotasking vs multitasking has never been more important. Learning the strengths and drawbacks of each approach can transform how you manage your time and energy, whether at work, in creative projects, or during personal moments.

The Science Behind Productivity

I’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve always prided myself on the fact that I can multi-task like no-ones business. In my professional career, it was always a sought-after skill. And when I started creating content, it was also a necessity. Even when it comes to being entertained and listening to an audiobook while doing some mundane work task.

But here’s the surprising truth: our brains aren’t built for multitasking. Instead of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, we actually task switch—rapidly jumping between activities. This constant switching burns energy, reduces focus, and leads to mistakes. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but our brain is just that good. It happens in a flash!

Studies show multitasking can decrease productivity by up to 40%, increase stress, and hurt overall cognitive performance. On the other hand, monotasking allows the brain to engage deeply, fostering higher-quality work and greater satisfaction.

What Is Multitasking?

Multitasking means juggling multiple tasks at the same time—like replying to emails while on a call. While it feels efficient, it often divides your attention, leading to:

Lower accuracy.
Increased mental fatigue.
Poorer outcomes on complex tasks.

What Is Monotasking?

Monotasking, also called single-tasking, is the art of dedicating your attention to one task at a time. It encourages:

Deep Focus: Giving one task your undivided attention improves efficiency.
Fewer Mistakes: Concentrated effort reduces errors.
More Fulfillment: Completing tasks with focus feels more rewarding.

The Benefits of Monotasking

Switching to monotasking brings tangible improvements:

Enhanced Focus: Distractions drop, attention spans grow.
Higher Quality Work: Creativity and precision improve with deep engagement.
Reduced Stress: Juggling tasks overwhelms the brain, while monotasking calms it.
Increased Productivity: Completing tasks fully, rather than partially, saves time.

Monotasking vs. Multitasking in Creative Projects

Creative work thrives on flow state—a focused, uninterrupted mental state. Multitasking disrupts this, breaking the chain of thought needed for innovation.

For example:

Writing a blog post while answering emails can lead to scattered ideas.
Designing a graphic while checking social media slows your creative rhythm.

Monotasking in creative projects lets you dive deeply, unlocking your best ideas and ensuring quality outcomes.

Monotasking vs. Multitasking in Your Personal Life

Think about it also in your personal life. This is what multitasking might look like:

Watching TV while texting.
Cooking dinner while taking a work call.

While it may seem productive, multitasking in personal activities reduces the quality of experiences. If we are all honest, we’ve all been there when a friend or family member was talking to us and we were checking our social media notifications or replying to a comment. Did you really follow 100% what your friend was saying? Didn’t think so. Monotasking encourages presence:

With loved ones: Focused conversations deepen relationships.
In hobbies: Fully immersing in an activity, like reading or crafting, brings joy.
For self-care: Mindfully practicing routines like skincare or journaling reduces stress.

How to Practice Monotasking

Monotasking isn’t just a mindset—it’s a practice. Here’s how to make it part of your life:

Set Priorities: List your most important tasks daily. Start with one and move to the next only after completing it.
Create a Focused Workspace: Remove distractions like social media, clutter, or background noise.
Use Time Blocks: Dedicate uninterrupted chunks of time (e.g., 25-50 minutes) to a single task.
Turn Off Notifications: Silence emails, texts, and alerts to stay in the zone.
Take Regular Breaks: Use short pauses to recharge and stay energized.

Practical Tools for Monotasking

Here are tools and apps that help you stay focused, recommended by productivity experts:

Forest App: Stay off your phone while growing a virtual tree. Great for time-blocking!
Notion: Prioritize tasks and track progress with an easy-to-use template.
Planner:
Freedom: Block distracting websites and apps during work sessions.
Pomodoro Timers: Many apps use this technique, including Toggl Track, which structures your work into 25-minute focused sessions.

You can also play background music designed to improve concentration. I do this all the time. And while the jury is still out on whether it would be best to have silence while you work, sometimes we need a little extra. To find some background music for concentration that you can search for on Youtube or Spotify, click here.

The Case for Monotasking

The multitasking myth can feel hard to shake, but science and real-world experience prove that monotasking is the way to go. Whether you’re tackling a creative project, managing work tasks, or enjoying personal time, focusing on one task at a time leads to better results and a calmer mind.

Start small—try monotasking for an hour and see the difference in your productivity and mood. The shift might just change how you work and live for the better.

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