The Tiny Screen: How Multitasking Works (Or actually... doesn't)

Imagine you have a computer with a very tiny screen.

You can have all your apps open at the same time but you can really only see one at a time. It would run faster if you only have one app open. But you’re used to using a half dozen at once. But keeping them all open, switching back-and-forth every minute just drains the battery faster.

It’s essentially how your brain works.
You can have a million tasks, ideas, memories, and more circling at once.
But you can really only have one conscious thought at a time.

As you switch from one idea to another, one task to the next, it requires energy to remember what that thing was about. It drains your (brain’s) battery faster. It’s called attention residue and it depletes your energy and attention faster than just monotasking. So monotasking helps keep us focused and motivated for longer.

The way to more efficient work–more done in less time with more energy– is to practice Monotasking. Choose one thing at a time and do it with your full attention.

One thing on screen. Close everything else.

Don’t expect that you can do it for hours and hours at a time.
Start with 10 minutes.
Choose a task (could be for work but it might be more meaningful to do it outside of work– like cleaning, eating, or even going for a walk). Put all the distractions away. No phone, no music or podcasts or audiobook. No secondary task you’re going to do while also getting this done. And notice your senses. Notice your desire (and habit!) of switching to another task.

Remember that tiny screen and fitting only one thing up at a time.
Practicing monotasking is the best thing you can do to increase your time efficiency.

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Caveday is a company aimed at improving your relationship to work. We write regular posts on Medium and send out monthly newsletters with productivity tips, life hacks, and recommendations. Sign up for the mailing list here.

Jake Kahana is a cofounder of Caveday. Sign up for his personal emails, called “The Email Refrigerator” here.