Writing and Single-tasking

One of the ways I have been tackling my new year is with single-tasking.

It used to be, if you asked me, I would tell you that I could write while listening to a podcast. I could do administrative work like coding or formatting while watching anime on the side. I could write blog posts while surfing news sites and finding articles for Anxiety Ink feeds and listening to music.

I’m going to call out myself now: total bullshit.

I could pretend I could but it would be more like a word here, a coded bit there, something I’ve listened to over there, a fragmented wisp of a story idea from music over there, and none of them coalesced into anything remotely resembling productivity.

So I’m trying something different this year.

Source

When I find myself tempted to divide my attention (or those blessed times I realize after I have already done so), I stop. I pick one thing to work on and give it my full attention. So far, this is working really well in my personal productivity time. I find I am getting more done, I’m more connected with the work that I have completed, and I am learning more as I go. I also feel settled in my mind, which anyone with anxiety or depression can tell you is a huge benefit.

The one place I haven’t been able to employ this is at work. Working in a cubicle environment is prime for constant interruptions. I’m trying, but it is really hard to balance this multitasking time with the time the way that I need to work the rest of the day to keep my wits about me and use my time to its most potential.

Have you tried to actively single-task? Specifically writing and single-tasking? Does it work for you or do you find yourself wandering constantly?

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