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Are random small tasks interrupting your work multiple times a day?
Checking your email or running an errand may not take long, but sprinkle a few throughout your day and it can disrupt your productivity.
Use task batching to get related tasks done in one seating instead of randomly throughout the day.
Why Use Task Batching?
Switching between multiple tasks too often takes extra time because your brain has to change its focus too.
Task batching (along with time blocking) lets your brain focus on doing one thing multiple times.
This means you can get more done in less time.
Before Task Batching
Pick a day and write down everything you do at work. Does it look something like this?
8:00 am Answer emails
8:30 am Work on proposal
9:30 am Reply to posts
10:00 am Meeting
11:00 am Answer emails
11:30 am Lunch
12:30 pm Approve time cards
1:00 Reply to posts
1:30 pm Work on proposal
2:30 PM Approve expense reports
3:00 PM Answer emails
3:30 PM Work on proposal
4:30 PM Reply to posts
At first glance, this looks like a lot of tasks, which can feel overwhelming.
Looking closer, you can see a repeating pattern throughout the day when your brain has to keep switching focus from working on the proposal to doing other things.
Did you know?
This Byte was created by a volunteer professional that wanted to share this insight to help you succeed - no agenda, no cost.
After Task Batching
Instead of switching between tasks multiple times a day, what if you could have 3 hours in a row to focus on the proposal?
8:00 am Emails and posts
9:00 am Approve paperwork
10:00 am Meeting
11:00 am Catch up time
12:00 am Lunch
1:00 pm Work on proposal
4:30 PM Wrap up
This looks much less overwhelming. By batching together the smaller repetitive tasks, you free up more time in your day to work on the proposal uninterrupted and even have some free time for other things that may come up.
Let's Try It
Here's a partial list of stuff you want to get done this week.
Cook dinner on Monday
Pay the phone bill
Study for physics exam
Cook dinner on Tuesday
Practice piano
Finish math homework
Cook dinner on Wednesday
Pay the electric bills
Write English essay
Cook dinner on Thursday
Draft work proposal
Mail birthday present to your mom
Cook dinner on Friday
Quiz
Which of these task batching blocks will help you focus on the bigger tasks?
Batching bills and mail on one day, and meal prep on another would free up time on other days. It may not be practical to do all school work on Satuday as some may be due at different times.
Take Action
Don't let routine tasks interrupt your flow!
Use task batching to help you focus.
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This Byte has been authored by
Kitzzy Avilés
Instructional Designer, Leader and Facilitator
Master's Degree