SingleTasking

Singletasking is the practice of focusing on a single task at a time, completing it before starting another. It contrasts with multitasking, where attention is divided among two or more tasks, often with the goal of increasing throughput but potentially reducing quality and speed.

Cognitive science notes that human attention is limited and task-switching incurs costs: when switching tasks, people often incur time and error penalties, and cognitive load can increase. Singletasking aims to reduce such switching costs by maintaining focus on one task until it reaches a natural boundary.

Benefits include higher accuracy and quality, deeper engagement and learning, quicker completion of complex tasks, and lower perceived stress. It can improve memory encoding and reduce cognitive fatigue in demanding work.

Limitations: some work involves parallel processes (monitoring for hazards, short responses) where a strict single-task approach may be impractical. The effectiveness depends on task characteristics, environment, and individual differences. Technology can either help or hinder singletasking depending on how it is used.

Strategies: time blocking, single-tasking with fixed periods, turning off nonessential notifications, creating a distraction-free workspace, using task lists and explicit start/end definitions, and practicing deliberate focus to build attention stamina.

Related terms include monotasking, deep work, and flow. Singletasking is commonly discussed as a practical discipline aimed at improving performance and well-being, rather than a universal rule.