There is a strategy to focus and combat multitasking: compartmentalize tasks

We live surrounded by stimuli and notifications that fight for monopolize our attention. The problem is that, what begins as “only a view of notification in case it is something important” becomes two hours of kittens videos.

Such and as an account Berto Pena in his blog and in his book ‘Superhabic‘, compartmentalizing tasks helps protect your time and favor concentration, something that has become a challenge to take better advantage of each day and Keep the focus In what really matters.

Compartmentar is a simple technique that can be applied to any type of task, but with which very good results are achieved. HE Avoid procrastinationimproves the Classification of priorities And prevents tasks being extended more than necessary.

Assign an order and time limit to your tasks

Comparting tasks consists in defining specific moments and times for certain activities that we know we must do. For this, a mixture of productivity techniques such as ‘Time Blocking’ To assign a specific hole in the calendar that we will dedicate exclusively to doing that task.

When assigning a certain block of time to each task, it is prevented the work from extending more than the account, thus fighting the effect of the Parkinson’s law. This productivity law states that “work expands until the time is available for it to end.” In this way, the effort dedicated to each task is delimited and mental fatigue is prevented while preventing tasks from eternalizing.

On the other hand, when establishing a period of time at a given time, it is Promote planning and is conditioned to commit to the task. Without excuses or postponements. After all, one of the greatest friction of procrastination is start doing homework.

The compartmentalization of the tasks forces to adapt the nature of the tasks to the time blocks. In this way, if a task is too big for your daily day, it is easier to divide it into smaller tasks that occupy less time and program them in successive days.

In this way, the motivation is maintained to complete a task that you have already started taking advantage of the “Zeigarnik effect“: the natural brain trend To finish those tasks that you have already started, even when it is not mandatory to do so. Your brain does it for a unstoppable need to close a door that was kept open.

Advantages of segmenting tasks in time blocks

As we have already mentioned, one of the main advantages of this technique is the Concentration improvement and the multitasking reduction. By dedicating an exclusive time block to an activity, the temptation to jump from one task to another is reduced.

Another advantage of this technique is that the Regularity and discipline. Comparting tasks helps to build habits by assigning a certain task in a recurring time strip. When establishing that routine, the brain ends up raising awareness and integrating the habit associating a certain day and time to an action as one of the Habits triggers to those referred to by James Clear in his book ‘Atomic habits‘.

This strategy also facilitates management and organization of tasks In the day to day. When distributing tasks in compartments throughout the week, a clear vision of what should be done and when. Thus, improvisation is avoided and each task receives the attention and time it needs.

Finally, companding allows greater flexibility against unforeseen events. Something very useful for long projects. Although the technique provides structure, margin also offers to adapt and if an urgency arises, it is easier to readjust the time blocks without sacrificing the time dedicated to each task and without causing a domino effect on the rest of the scheduled tasks.

Applying it is easy, but it must be progressive

The first step to compartmentalize is Identify tasks and activities that will be programmed in time blocks. To start, it is easier to do so with short and recurring tasks, so that the results are appreciable in the short term. Read every day for an hour, do an hour of exercise, spend daily time to review the notes of that subject that costs you, etc.

Once identified, they are assigned specific gaps on the agenda being realistic with the duration that each task needs. Do not worry if one day you have plenty or you lack time, just take it into account for the next time you program that task. It is a learning process in which it will be necessary to apply corrections.

What should be immovable It is your commitment With scheduled tasks. If it’s time to do it, Focus on her And forget everything else. No pauses or interruptions. Concentration and deep work until the time block ends. The breaks, like any other task, must also be programmed and respected to avoid exhaustion.

It is recommended to start little by little, with two or three tasks a week, and add more blocks progressively as the routine is consolidated and the first results begin to be obtained.

In Xataka | “Doing nothing” is a great technique to improve your productivity. Neuroscience is clear

Image | Unspash (My Profit Tutor, Jo Szczepanska)