With all of the day to day distractions, life throws at us as every second passes throughout the day, it can be difficult to focus on what’s truly important. Some say, there are different ways you can divide your attention. One by multitasking or learning how to divide your time extensively over a wide range of topics such as having a conversation while answering e-mails and text messages. Or another, monotasking, which is focusing your attention on one single topic wholly and completely, while excluding the irrelevant.
Multitasking:
Multitasking. We are all guilty of it. I for one have a horrible habit of answering text messages while I’m on the phone with someone. It’s a habit worth breaking, but it’s there all the same. I feel as though this day in age we are spread so much thinner because technology makes us so readily available and almost forces us to be constantly engaged in anything and everything all at the same time. However, constantly switching our attention from one topic to another may, in fact, be counterproductive after all. Our brains were not made to shift our attention so quickly and so often. We may feel like we can switch topics relatively smoothly, but unlike computers, we cannot go from one program to another completely and without consequence.
According to the University of Washington School of Business, Dr. Leroy states: “Attention residue easily occurs when we leave tasks unfinished, when we get interrupted, or when we anticipate that once we have a chance to get to the unfinished or pending work we will have to rush to get it done. Our brain finds it hard to let go of these tasks, and instead keeps them active in the back of our mind, even when are trying to focus on and perform other tasks.” Attention residue, therefore, makes it impossible for us to change direction as fluidly as we think we can. It is impossible to focus on one task while thinking of the previous task we just left, or a future task we have to do. Ultimately, constantly changing focus forces all tasks to suffer.
Monotasking:
Monotasking, however, is a more intentional approach to how we divide our attention into different tasks we are required to perform throughout the day. For instance, instead of answering e-mails while you’re on a conference call, you give all of your attention to the conference call and save time to answer e-mails later. While I do believe separating our attention is incredibly important, we are all simply so busy. The distraction of e-mail and text notifications constantly vibrating in our pockets and our desks make it next to impossible to have the willpower to ignore it and focus on the task at hand. That is why the act of monotasking has to be more deliberate and practiced.
One way you can start monotasking today is by creating a time block for yourself. Allow yourself a certain, reasonable, amount of time for each topic you have to accomplish for the day. For instance, you can allow yourself to answer e-mails from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and while you reply, your phone is on silent and you commit yourself wholly and completely to that particular action. You can also organize your workspace. It is much easier to get distracted when you have to leave the task at hand to go find something that should be readily at your disposal. Another way you can commit to monotasking is to delegate tasks accordingly. If you have the luxury to be able to pass off dinner to another cook, do so. But where you certainly have that luxury to delegate tasks, is with your trade shows and conferences. Let Exhibitors Service Network handle this important task and free you up to focus on your business.
Exhibitor Service Network (ESN) is here to help.
At ESN, we are the premier leader of custom-built, rental, and portable trade show display solutions. Being top in the industry makes us more than a resource, but also a true and tested partner. We understand our client’s needs and are determined to help you achieve your goals no matter how big or small. Here at ESN, we know you have a lot to do, so we handle everything from exhibit structures, graphics, furniture, lighting, flooring, etc., so that you don’t have to. Our custom exhibits can help you save time and money while still flawlessly promoting your company. We have a huge inventory of custom exhibit rentals which include exhibit structures, kiosks, counters, and hanging signs that gives unlimited combinations of creativity and cost-saving alternatives. We are here to take the weight off your shoulders and allow you to prioritize your focus on other topics at hand. With our quality exhibit graphics being the highest quality in the industry, let us help you demand all the attention at your next trade show.
