Let’s be honest: multitasking feels productive. You’ve got ten tabs open, Slack is pinging, and you’re answering emails while working on that client report. You’re doing it all, right?
Wrong.
Multitasking isn’t helping you, it’s draining you.
Here’s what’s really happening:
When you switch between tasks, your brain doesn’t just instantly jump. It takes time to adjust. That “switching cost” adds up. You lose focus, make more mistakes, and end up feeling burned out without actually moving forward.
Remote work makes this even trickier, especially when you’re juggling different time zones, communication styles, and digital tools. So what can you do instead?
Try these focus strategies instead of multitasking:
1. Batch your tasks.
Group similar work together. Do all your emails in one block. Handle meetings in another. Keep creative work away from admin tasks. Your brain will thank you.
2. Use the “one-tab rule.”
Keep only what you’re working on right now in front of you. One task, one tab, one window. The rest can wait.
3. Silence the noise.
Turn off non-essential notifications. Put Slack on “Do Not Disturb” for an hour. Tell your team when you’re going heads-down. They’ll respect it, especially if you deliver strong results.
4. Work in short, focused sprints.
Use the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes focused work, 5-minute break. Repeat. It keeps your mind sharp and your energy steady throughout the day.
5. Set a clear goal for every block.
Before you start a task, ask: What am I trying to finish in this next hour? Clarity = progress.
If you want to stand out in a remote team, it’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right thing with full attention.
Multitasking is a myth. Focus is your edge.
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