Slow-motion multi-tasking

There’s a saying in motor racing – slow down to go faster. 

And it just so happens to work at work as well. 

In today's fast-paced world busy-ness is prized and often mistaken for productivity. Working at breakneck pace, the hours mounting up, with often less progress than we would like. 

The term "multi-tasking" often conjures up images of juggling numerous tasks simultaneously, leading to a fragmented focus and diminished productivity. 

There's a transformative concept that turns this notion on its head: slow-motion multi-tasking.
Working slower, on multiple tasks. …Sometimes the non-obvious path can lead to the most profound impact.

This goes hand in hand with the concept of time boxing/blocking that featured in my previous article, where you schedule blocks of time for deep, focused work. Now you begin to stack these blocks of focus to move multiple tasks on.

Beware traditional multi-tasking

Traditional multi-tasking scatters our attention across too many competing demands, leading to a loss of focus and a decline in the quality of our work. 

It's like trying to hold a conversation in a crowded room—conversations overlap, thoughts become muddled, and nothing gets the full attention it deserves. 

For leaders, founders, and C-suite executives, this can be particularly detrimental as the stakes are high, and the demands on their time are relentless.

A change is as good as a rest

Say hello to slow-motion multi-tasking. This approach involves dedicating focused periods to a particular task, immersing yourself deeply in the work. 

However, instead of plodding on until the task is complete, you intentionally switch to another project before fatigue sets in. This method leverages the power of deep work and the freshness that comes from changing focus.

Tim Harford, in his TED Talk on slow motion multitasking explains, "slow-motion multitasking isn’t about doing lots of things at the same time – it’s about having lots of projects on the go, and moving from one to the other." This approach recognizes that a change can indeed be as good as a rest, particularly in fostering creative productivity.

It’s also a good strategy to keep motivation high. We enjoy the feeling of progress. To switch focus before we feel like we’re losing momentum helps us keep motivated to come back to the task rather than allowing it to become the albatross round your neck, that you begin to procrastinate or avoid altogether.

The benefits of slow-motion multi-tasking

1. Focused time for Deep Work
   When you dedicate uninterrupted time to a single task, you enter a state of deep work. This period of intense focus allows you to produce high-quality work without the constant interruptions that traditional multitasking entails.
   

2. Avoiding fatigue and diminishing returns
   By switching tasks before fatigue sets in, you maintain high levels of productivity. It's like rotating crops in a field; by giving the land (your mind) time to rest and rejuvenate, you prevent burnout and ensure sustained productivity.
   

3. Harnessing your subconscious for creativity
   When you switch tasks, your subconscious mind continues to process the initial task. This often leads to unexpected connections and creative solutions when you return to it. As Ali Abdaal, the productivity expert suggests, "Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not actively working on the problem."
   

This isn’t spinning plates

Slow-motion multi-tasking is not about spreading yourself thin; it's about strategically allocating your mental resources to maximize creativity and productivity. 

By embracing this approach, leaders and innovators can find new pathways to progress and productivity, turning the concept of multi-tasking from a productivity black hole into a gold mine of potential.

A change really can be as good as a rest. So, the next time you find yourself bogged down by a single task, remember the power of slow-motion multi-tasking and switch focus to give your mind the creative space it needs to thrive.