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What I Learned from Tackling One Task at a Time
Multitasking seems efficient on the surface, but this week’s habit—single-tasking—reminded me how much momentum is lost when we constantly switch focus. Years ago, my friend Chieko Watanabe gave a talk on task switching, comparing it to jumping between moving trains. That image stuck with me, and it still rings true.
What Worked Well
Time blocking was my best ally. Knowing I only had to commit to 25-minute chunks helped me push through distractions. I also made one Gmail tab totally blank so I wouldn’t see new emails pouring in. That visual reset made it easier to dive into deep work.
Challenges: Staying the Course
Every day brings distractions. Whether it’s a call, a message, or a dog that needs to go out, staying on task isn’t always easy. But this week, instead of trying to eliminate distractions entirely, I expected them—and planned to handle them after my focus time.
A Surprising Benefit: Feeling Less Overwhelmed
I didn’t expect to feel calmer, but I did. By giving each task its own space, I stayed more grounded—even when I couldn’t finish something in one sitting. I was no longer chasing completion, just progress.
Tools & Resources That Helped
- Time Blocking – Blocking work sessions helped set expectations
- Pomodoro Technique – Focused 25-minute sessions: https://pomofocus.io
- Distraction-Free Email Tab – I kept a Gmail tab open that showed nothing incoming
- Success Habitude by Chieko Watanabe – https://successhabitude.com/
Lessons Learned
Single-tasking isn’t just about doing one thing—it’s about doing it without guilt, distraction, or jumping ahead. I also learned that this habit isn’t something you master once. You practice it every day.
Moving Forward
I’ll keep refining how I manage distractions. I’m also thinking of using one screen per task to help mentally separate what I’m working on. And I’ll continue using Pomodoro blocks for anything I resist starting.
How You Can Implement This Habit
Start by setting a timer for 25 minutes and picking just one task. Turn off notifications. Close unrelated tabs. Keep an empty email tab open if you need your inbox nearby. When the timer ends, pause—then either keep going or step away. Over time, you’ll notice that you get more done with less stress. One task at a time adds up faster than you think.
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help web designers build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.