Sometimes, I catch myself scrolling through my phone while trying to type up a draft for work, only to remember that I also have the laundry running, plus a half-finished grocery list lying around.
I’ve often been proud of being a multitasker — until I realized it wasn’t working as well as I thought. Lately, I’ve found myself drowning in unfinished tasks.
That’s when I decided it was time for a real change.
I’ve spent many years in digital communications, juggling various demands and tight deadlines. But I gradually learned that constant multitasking wasn’t actually helping me — it was just making me feel busier and more exhausted.
Eventually, I stumbled upon the idea of single-tasking — fully focusing on one thing at a time. I committed to trying it out for 30 days.
Here’s what I discovered, and how you can give yourself the same gift of completing what you start without wearing yourself down.
The myth of multitasking
Most of us assume that multitasking is a good thing. We imagine ourselves breezing through calls, emails, chores, and errands like unstoppable machines.
But as HBR has noted, task-switching often leads to mental fatigue and decreased productivity. Each time you shift focus, you have to reacquaint yourself with what you were doing. That creates more work, not less.
I used to think it was just me.
I would open multiple tabs on my laptop, switch between different writing assignments, and sneak in a phone call — then wonder why I’d end the day with half of my to-do list incomplete. Eventually, it dawned on me that while multitasking can make you feel busy, it doesn’t necessarily make you productive.
As Dale Carnegie once said, “An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of doing.”
I learned that a clear plan and a single focus often accomplish more than a frantic dash through a dozen tasks at once. It was a humbling realization, but it changed my approach to work and to life in general.
The wake-up call
Not too long ago, I had one of those weeks where everything seemed urgent.
My son needed help with school assignments, I had freelance deadlines to meet, and my personal errands were piling up.
This chaotic juggling act left me feeling drained and a bit guilty because, at the end of each day, I felt like I hadn’t been fully present for my son or my work.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
At one point, I noticed I’d been rewriting the same paragraph for almost half an hour because I kept jumping between tasks — answering an email here, responding to a quick Slack message there, checking on dinner, and so on.
It was a wake-up call: my so-called “efficiency” was actually costing me more time than ever.
So, I made a simple decision.
I turned off notifications for non-essential apps and committed to a 30-day single-tasking challenge. “Just one month,” I said to myself. “Then I’ll see how I feel.”
I’d read about a 30-day single-tasking experiment on the CDPHP blog, so I adapted it for my own situation. I decided I’d focus on only one major project each morning, then allow myself short blocks of time in the afternoon to handle smaller tasks.
In the evenings, I’d unplug for a couple of hours to spend time with my son.
It sounded simple on paper — but I quickly realized this required a lot of self-control.
One day at a time: My 30-day single-tasking experiment
On Day 1, it felt strange.
I kept reaching for my phone or opening new tabs, just out of habit. I made peace with the fact that the first few days would be awkward and that it was okay to slip up occasionally.
The point was progress, not perfection. “Done is better than perfect,” as Sheryl Sandberg famously said.
Here’s what I started doing:
-
Daily planning: Each morning, I scribbled down one big task I needed to finish by noon. Then I listed a few smaller tasks for later. I realized that aiming for one big goal helped me clarify my priorities.
-
Blocking distractions: I turned off social media notifications and, unless it was urgent, let calls go to voicemail during my peak work hours. Keeping my phone out of sight (and sometimes out of the room) was a game-changer.
-
Scheduled catch-up times: Rather than responding to every message the moment it arrived, I gave myself specific slots to check emails. This dramatically reduced mental clutter.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
-
Mindful breaks: It took me a while to learn how to take a real break. Instead of scrolling endlessly, I would do a quick stretch or walk to clear my head. Sometimes I’d even do a quick meditation or journal entry.
After the first week, I felt more relaxed, even though I was technically doing the same amount of work. Finishing tasks became more satisfying because my attention wasn’t split among countless distractions.
Why single-tasking boosts momentum
Research from BetterUp highlights how single-tasking improves both productivity and mental well-being.
When we give one task our undivided attention, we enter a state of flow more easily — a zone where creativity and efficiency thrive.
I also noticed I was saving time. I was no longer re-reading the same paragraph over and over, or trying to recall what I was working on before I jumped to the next thing.
It felt like my brain could stretch out and breathe, without the stress of being pulled in too many directions.
During the second week, I began to see the added benefit of better communication with my son. By being more intentional with my time, I had windows of undivided attention for him.
We’d talk through his homework or chat about his day, and I wasn’t half-listening. It was a small change that made me feel like a much more present mom.
Reflections and an unexpected transformation
You might have read my post on how small mindset shifts can overhaul your productivity, and this 30-day experiment was no exception.
I wasn’t just crossing tasks off more efficiently; I was also noticing a happier, calmer version of myself.
My evenings felt lighter.
My weekends weren’t spent trying to catch up on things I’d procrastinated on. I realized that choosing a single-tasking approach was freeing me up to be more aware of my thoughts, moods, and energy levels.
That newfound awareness extended beyond work to my personal life, helping me noticethe emotional patterns that were holding me back.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
At one point, I decided to complement my single-tasking journey with Free Your Mind, a masterclass by modern shaman Rudá Iandê.
After taking Rudá’s masterclass, I realized that a big part of my multitasking habit had been rooted in limiting beliefs — like feeling I had to prove my worth by always being busy.
The exercises in the course inspired me to acknowledge that constant busyness doesn’t define success or productivity.
For me, that was a big breakthrough, and it came right when I needed a mindset shift the most.
Nurturing a single-task mindset: Practical pointers
Let’s say you’re ready to dive in.
Where do you start?
Here’s what worked for me:
-
Set a clear intention every day
I’d begin my morning by quickly jotting down what I want to accomplish. Be realistic, not overly ambitious. One major goal is enough to keep you focused. -
Customize your workspace
Whether you have a dedicated home office or just a corner of your living room, clear away distractions. Shut off TV noise, silence your phone, or close unnecessary browser tabs. Make your immediate environment reflect your single focus. -
Commit to short bursts of work
I love the Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes, then taking a short break. It’s amazing how much I can accomplish when I know I only have a short sprint before a rest. -
Give yourself guilt-free downtime
Rest is not a reward you earn; it’s part of the process. If you start your morning strong and single-task for a few hours, allow yourself a real break. No device in hand, no toggling screens. -
Track your progress
I found that journaling helped me see how far I’d come. I’d jot down a quick note at the end of the day: “Today, I finished Project X, read with my son, and responded to priority emails.” It felt good to acknowledge these wins.
Last but definitely not least, celebrate small wins
In the early days of single-tasking, I caught myself feeling like I “wasn’t doing enough.” I’d been so used to juggling tasks that focusing on one thing almost felt like I was slacking.
Yet the tangible results were undeniable.
Get Smarter Everyday Join Us On WhatsApp
One morning, I finished a proposal in record time because my focus never wavered.
In the past, that same task would have stretched into the afternoon. Recognize each achievement — even if it’s something as minor as clearing your inbox or completing that one paragraph that’s been haunting you.
John C. Maxwell famously said, “Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time.”
That’s how I view single-tasking.
You just need to take consistent, small steps, each giving you a piece of your time and sanity back.
Wrapping up
After 30 days, my biggest takeaway was that productivity isn’t about how many balls you can keep in the air. It’s about how intentionally you show up to each moment.
By focusing on one thing at a time, I learned I could actually do more, be more present, and find greater satisfaction in every task — no matter how big or small.
Of course, life doesn’t always allow us the luxury to completely ignore everything else. As a mom, emergencies or urgent matters pop up.
But having a single-tasking mindset to return to has been invaluable for my overall sense of peace and control.
If you’re constantly overwhelmed, give single-tasking a try. Even if you can’t commit to an entire month right away, start with one week—then see if you notice less stress and more completion.
Chances are, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
And who knows?
It might just be the breakthrough you need to finally finish what you start.
If you found this blog post insightful be sure to share it with those out there that are still not aware of it Don't forget to FOLLOW US on Facebook and hit the LIKE button for more new content. Thanks so much for reading.....
