How Do You Prioritise Your Tasks In Business?
A reporter from the Guardian spoke with Prof Earl Miller, a neuroscientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He said “your brain can only produce one or two thoughts”
Two studies were mentioned:
One with college students and found that they would focus on 1 tasks for 65 seconds
The second was with professionals and the average person would focus 3 minutes on average per task
This is shocking but not surprising.
With the hundreds of emails you receive on a daily basis, platforms such as Tiktok, Youtube, Linked in, in demand tv Netflix, Prime Video and others, also, daily commitments, taking the pet to the vets, running the kids to school and other activities, everything and everyone is competing to get your attention.
So how do you prioritise your tasks so that you get the most out of your time?
Here are a few ways to prioritise your tasks like a pro:
Plan your schedule in advance
By mapping out tasks, appointments, and goals ahead of time, you reduce the chaos of last-minute decisions and increase productivity. Planning allows you to prioritise important activities, allocate sufficient time for them, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Use the Eisenhower matrix
A simple yet powerful tool, aids in prioritising tasks effectively. It categorises tasks into four quadrants based on their urgency and importance.
Choose the task at hand
Commit to completing one task at a time. Research has shown that focusing on a single task not only leads to better results but also saves time compared to switching between multiple tasks.
Studies show that you lose 40% of your productive time and 20% for switching context- that’s 60% of your concentration trying to switch between 2 tasks.
Refocus your attention
It takes you on average 23 minutes to regain focus. When possible, minimise distractions, turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and let others know when you're unavailable.
If you find your mind elsewhere, take a 10-15 minute break, meditate or use your breath to calm your mind or just go for a walk. Then get back to your task.
Declutter your desk and your computer
A tidy desk minimises physical distractions, enabling you to access necessary materials swiftly. Meanwhile, a clutter-free computer ensures faster file retrieval and smoother workflow. Moreover, an organised environment promotes mental clarity by reducing visual noise and mental clutter. This clarity of thought empowers you to prioritise tasks with precision and focus on high-impact activities.
So dear friend, while the world tugs at your sleeve for attention, take a breath, prioritise like a pro, and own your day.