You know that feeling when your wheels are spinning? You know what needs to get done, and it’s looming over your head, but for some reason you can’t seem to take it on. You ask yourself, “Why do I again feel unproductive?”
Most of us go through this at one time or another and there are different reasons why this occurs. However, if “undone To-Do Lists” is more of a pattern than a once in a while situation, you likely are having problems with prioritization and focus.
It can be stressful when you feel overwhelmed and unable to complete your day to day life’s priorities. The key to tackling what needs to be done in the most efficient way is to learn how to focus on one task at a time. It’s a common misconception that the more you multi-task, the quicker you will accomplish your goals. The opposite is actually true.
When you break your list down, focusing on one thing at a time, you are more easily able to complete the entire list. This is because you don’t have everything competing in your mind and with your time.
Take writing this blog for example. If I were trying to create this entry while cooking dinner, doing laundry, or talking on the phone it would take me four times as long. Instead, I consciously focus all my energies into how I am thinking and how I want to convey it best. Consequently, my writing flows more easily, more quickly, and I feel more satisfied.
The same is true for any action you have your mind set on. Stop thinking you need to become a more efficient multi-tasker. Instead, practice on being more purposeful in your actions, and as a result, more focused.