Struggling to focus? Stop multitasking and try the 'pull method' instead

Release time：2024-05-17 14:58:45 Source：Global Gist news portal

Do you struggle to focus and jump from task to task without feeling like you’re getting the chance to complete something before moving on to the next?

While the ability to multitask is often hailed as a positive attribute and often included in job descriptions as a must-have skill, research has found that multitasking makes us prone to errors and even has an impact on cognitive function.

This is because our brains lack the ability to complete more than one task at a time. While you might think you’re the master of juggling several things on your to-do list, the likelihood is that you’re simply switching from task to task several times throughout the day, pushing things further and further down the list, and less likely to complete them.

As well as making more mistakes, multitasking can also end up slowing you down, making you less efficient in the long run.

While the ability to multitask is often hailed as a positive attribute, research has found that multitasking makes us prone to errors and even has an impact on cognitive function

A different approach 

If you’ve found yourself nodding along in agreement, don’t despair. There is a way to shift your approach and start tackling tasks with laser focus: the ‘pull method’.

Based on the principles of Agile methodology which is used by software developers and involves breaking projects into phases and continually evaluating and improving each phase before moving on to the next task, the pull method is derived from the same playbook, and mirrors many aspects of Agile methodology.

For starters, instead of pushing tasks down a funnel or to-do list, you should only pull in the next task as soon as you are ready to do so. The previous task you have been working on should either be finished, or you’ve taken it as far as you can before collaborating with others on it, and getting final sign off or approval from a third party or client.

Not only will this allow you to complete tasks, it will also limit procrastination and force you to be more focussed while completing a task (yes, this also means putting your phone down and not scrolling through social media every 30 seconds).

Instead of pushing tasks down a funnel or to-do list, you should only pull in the next task as soon as you are ready to do so

It’s also worth pointing out that adopting the pull method doesn’t mean you’ll never have a to-do list or that you must finish something in its entirety before moving on to the next thing. It’s more about maximising efficiency by being more concentrated and methodical in your approach.

However, if you feel as though you are always being pulled in a million different directions and no matter how hard you try to implement some structure into your workday, but a systemic lack of organisation at management level is slowing you down, it could be time to start considering your options.

If that includes a new job, focus your search on the Mail Job Board where you will find thousands of roles in companies that are actively hiring, including the three below.

Job openings in the UK

Client Partner, Travel, UK, Spotify, London 

 Spotify is looking for a Client Partner who will focus on travel clients to join its UK Vertical team. To apply for this role you will need to have a consistent track record of revenue generation, a deep interest and passion for digital media and innovation.

You’ll be accountable for quarterly and yearly revenue goals, pipeline management and growth goals for key clients at a specific media agency group to meet and exceed advertising revenue goals while developing and maintaining excellent relationships with key media agencies. Interested? Apply here.

UK B2B Sales Manager, Ripple Energy, Ayr 

 Ripple offers fractional ownership of large-scale wind farms and solar parks and owners benefit from decades of low and stable cost electricity, as well as reducing their climate impact. As UK B2B Sales Manager you will build Ripple’s business customer base, securing new sales and acting as the point of contact for existing larger customers.

You will also help Ripple grow into a valuable climate solution for businesses across the UK and secure multi-million pound deals for businesses and organisations to own Ripple wind farms and solar parks. If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you’ve been looking for, find out more here.

Strategic Account Executive (UK Public Sector), Cohere, London 

 AI company Cohere is seeking a Strategic Account Executive (UK Public Sector) to take ownership of the full sales cycle. From identifying leads to closing deals for high-growth tech companies and large enterprises, you should be an approachable and compelling communicator who loves working with prospects to uncover their needs.

You'll also be comfortable developing tailored value propositions around how Cohere’s platform can help them achieve their business goals, and have more than 10 years’ of experience managing full-cycle B2B solution sales motions with large enterprise, F100 and public-sector customers, along with a proven track record of sales performance. Check out the full job description here.

Stop procrastinating and find your next job opportunity today on the Mail Job Board 

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