How to do one thing at a time?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Sure, single tasking sounds great in practice, but the realities of my life and job necessitate some level of multitasking.

We all get distracted or feel the need to try to do more. But ironically, when we try to do more by multitasking, we end up doing less.

To wean yourself off your addiction to multitasking, here are a few baby steps you can take towards single-tasking.

Step 1: Get rid of distractions (including your phone)
In order to start single-tasking, you need to put your phone away in a bag or another room. And while you’re at it, remove yourself from other distractions. Close your email client and IM or put your computer into Do Not Disturb mode.

Step 2: Start small, but set a timer.
No one expects you to go from distracted and multitasking to hours on end of focused work.you can start with as little as 5 minutes of distraction-free and single-tasking focused time a day.
When that starts to feel easy, try something like the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work followed by a five-minute break).

Step 3: Take a meaningful break between each single-tasking session
Single-tasking takes effort and energy. And to keep up with its demands, you need to take periodic breaks to replenish your stores.

Do one thing at a time. And do it well.