#153 Single Tasking vs. Multitasking, with Erin Bradley

Pursuing Freedom

Single tasking vs. multitasking? With multitasking, the danger is spreading yourself too thin and draining your energy and focus. Hear insights about:

• Why we’re all prone to spreading ourselves too thin and trying to focus on too many things at once
• Why single tasking is usually the better idea when deciding on single tasking vs. multitasking, and why single tasking gives you focus and helps you be more present
• How “channel surfing”, multitasking or jumping from activity to activity, creates stress and saps energy
• Why giving yourself time to pause and reflect each morning is important for taking control of your day and putting yourself into the right mindset
• Why channel surfing can harm our relationships and reduce our productivity, and why it’s important to learn to watch just one channel at a time
• Why there are certain situations in which we naturally focus on single tasking vs. multitasking, such as important meetings and working with new clients
• Why it’s easy to fall down into the rabbit hole of distractions, and why our phones and emails are big culprits
• Why your actions are a reflection of your true priorities, and why you should be intentional about being present in the moment
• Why it’s important to recognize your channel surfing habits and take action to change your behavior and mindset
• Why you should treat your friends, family and other loved ones the same way you treat your clients

Single Tasking vs. Multitasking

We live in a chaotic world, and real estate is a hectic industry, so it can be incredibly easy to fall into the trap of being too distracted. If you’re like most of us, you probably have a thousand different things pulling on your attention at any given moment. It can feel stressful and overwhelming!

However, you can take control! The key is to focus on single tasking vs. multitasking. Multitasking is like channel surfing: you’re flipping from channel to channel but never truly focusing on any of the shows you’re jumping through.

In this week’s solocast episode of the Pursuing Freedom podcast, I want to talk to you about the dangers of multitasking and the benefits of single tasking. When you focus on just one thing at a time, you can be more present, more productive and more energized!

The Benefits of Single Tasking vs. Multitasking

Here’s a hard truth: multitasking doesn’t really help you get more things done. If anything, allowing yourself to be pulled in too many directions can drain you of your energy. Instead, focus on single tasking. Don’t let your phone or emails distract you. Instead, focus on being present in THIS moment and on the one thing you’re doing right now.

Not only does this benefit you in your work, it can be a powerful benefit to all the other aspects of your life as well. Your relationships will be stronger, you’ll feel more focused and energized, and you’ll get more done! There really are so, so many benefits to focusing on one thing at a time, and the people around you will appreciate you for being truly there for them.

Avoiding “Channel Surfing”

In his book Black Belt of the Mind, Dr. Fred Grosse talks about channel surfing as an analogy for allowing ourselves to be distracted by a million little things. Imagine that all of the different aspects of your life are individual channels on a TV. When you flip back and forth between channels, you aren’t really getting anything from any of them. It’s only when you pick a channel and focus on it that you can really get into the show and follow with what’s going on.

That’s exactly what life is like! When you should be focusing on the “Family Channel” and spending time with your family, don’t touch the remote! If you’re watching “Friends”, stop checking your messages and emails. Be present in the moment! There’s a sense of calm and organization you get when you are present and focused, and it can help you maintain your energy level, mood and mindset far better than “channel surfing.”

About Erin Bradley

Erin Bradley is a speaker and business coach, bestselling author, and host of the real estate podcast Pursuing Freedom. As a mortgage lender, Erin learned the hard way just how hard entrepreneurship and success in sales can be. From flat broke to 6-figures, and then to burnout, Erin and her team have been through it all! Erin operates under the mindset that you never give up, and you never settle, in life or in business. Anything is possible when you have the right mindset, great systems, and an amazing team. Erin is passionate about helping others design their ideal life, then create a business that is a vehicle to support that lifestyle, rather than rob you of it. And she’s on a mission to help you believe in, and achieve your biggest dreams!

How to Connect With Erin Bradley

• Business Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ApplyWithErin/
• Website: https://www.pursuingfreedom.com/
• LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bradley/

Balanced Growth Course:

• Website: https://pursuingfreedom.thinkific.com/courses/balanced-growth

Additional Resources:

• Set for Success Planner
• Time Tracker
• 5-Step Guide to More Referrals

Book Recommendations:

• Black Belt of the Mind by Dr. Fred Grosse: https://amzn.to/3eMdsoq