Single-Tasking: Why Multitasking Fails and What Works

Answering an email while on a call. Checking your phone during a film. Writing a report with three chat windows open. Multitasking feels efficient, but most of the time we’re not doing two things at once. We’re switching between them, quickly, and paying for each switch.

Single-tasking means doing one thing at a time, on purpose. This guide covers what research says and the habits that make it practical. It’s part of our focus guides.

What research says about multitasking

• Task switching has a cost. Experiments on task switching have found that switching between tasks takes extra time and increases errors compared with sticking to one, especially for complex tasks.
• Heavy media multitaskers may filter distraction less well. Some studies have found that people who habitually juggle many media streams perform worse on certain attention tasks, though findings in this area are mixed.
• Interruptions are costly. Getting back into a complex task after an interruption can take a while.

The exception: combining one automatic activity with one demanding one (walking while talking, folding laundry while listening to a podcast) usually works fine.

Single-tasking habits

1. Decide the one task

Start each block by writing one task: “Draft the introduction.” Everything else waits.

2. One window, one tab

Close what you don’t need for the task. If you need several tabs, keep only those.

3. Notifications off during focus blocks

Turn off chat, email and phone notifications for the block. Check them at set times; see inbox zero.

4. Phone out of reach

Another room or a drawer. Phones are the most common source of switching.

5. A “later” list

When something else pops into your head, write it down and return to the task.

6. Work in blocks

25 to 60 minutes on one task, then a short break. See deep work habits and time blocking.

7. Batch small tasks

Group emails, messages and admin into one block rather than scattering them through the day.

Single-tasking beyond work

• Meals: eat without screens a few times a week.
• Conversations: phone away when someone is talking to you.
• Leisure: watch one thing, without scrolling at the same time.
• Walking: sometimes, just walk.

Make it a habit

Start with one daily focus block where you single-task fully. Expand to more blocks once it’s easy. Doing focus blocks alongside others can make it easier to stay with one task.

Disclosure: Cohorty publishes this journal. In Cohorty you write one task for a 30-minute session and work on it alongside others, with no camera or chat. It’s single-tasking with company. See how Cohorty sessions work.

For more focus habits, see how to focus with ADHD and workspace setup.

Common questions

What is single-tasking?

Doing one task at a time, with your full attention, instead of switching between several.

Is multitasking bad for productivity?

For complex tasks, switching between them usually costs time and increases errors. Combining an automatic activity with a demanding one is less of a problem.

How do I stop multitasking?

Decide one task per block, close other windows, turn off notifications, keep your phone out of reach and keep a list for things that come up.

Can anyone really multitask?

Most “multitasking” is fast switching. People can combine a highly automatic activity with another task, but two demanding tasks at once usually suffer.