HOW TO MULTI-TASK LIKE A PRO: 10 TIPS

If you're like me, you always have 1,000 things to do. You have a to-do list a mile long, and it seems like whenever you cross one thing off, there are 999 other things that need your immediate attention. It is imperative that we learn how to multi-task in order to keep up with our forever busy lives. So here are my top 10 tips on how to multi-task like a pro, and master your to-do list like nobody's business.

1. KNOW THAT ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO MULTITASK!

*grabs pearls* Totally contradictory to the title and everything you thought you knew. But according to research it it humanly impossible to multi-task. Our brains cant focus on more than one thing at a time. When you think you're multitasking, your brain is actually taking the focus off of the first task and putting its resources towards the new task. There are some people who can multitask, but its super rare, like 2% of the population and its caused by a genetic difference (1). So how can you 'multitask' efficiently?

2. MAKE A LIST.

Things are so much easier when you have them all written out. So grab your notepad, journal, or agenda and make a list of everything you need to get accomplished. When you try to remember everything in your head, you tend to forget certain things. Unless you have super great memory, its impossible to remember every single task you need to get done. Then your left with that feeling that you've missed something. Avoid this by writing things down. I recommend a journal like this one and keeping a running list of all the things you need to get done.

3. STICK WITH YOUR LIST.

It defeats the purpose of having a list if you'll never check it. Once you make your list, actually make an effort to complete the tasks on them. Then once you've completed them, be sure to cross them off. It is SO rewarding to complete a task and be able to cross it off your list.

4. MAKE A SCHEDULE.

This kind of goes with making a list, but with actual deadlines. When making a schedule you tend to put more pressure on yourself to complete the task before the due date. Don't stress yourself with that! Make a schedule that attainable for you. If you know you cant write that paper or clean out your closet by the end of the week, don't give yourself a hard time. Pace yourself. I LIVE for agendas and calendars, like this one and this one. I would be a hot mess without them.

5. STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE.

Once you make your schedule, don't go off course. Its easy to get overwhelmed and want to give up or put it off to the side for 'tomorrow'. But why put off tommorrow what you can do today?

6. SERIOUSLY, DON'T GO OFF COURSE.

Need I say more?

7. LEARN TO PRIORITIZE. With great power comes great responsibility. And with great multi-tasking comes great prioritizing. You gotta get your stuff together girl! Make sure that when you're organizing your schedule that your putting the important stuff first. Its super easy to want to do the easy tasks first to feel more accomplished, but resist temptation! Do whats important first sis!

8. PACE YOURSELF.

Dont get so caught up in trying to do multiple things at once that you send your anxiety through the roof. Take your time and focus on one task at a time. Remember, thats all our brains are capable of any how (unless you're apart of that 2% in which case, you cant sit with us).

9. DON'T GET OVERWHELMED.

Inhale. Exhale. Its totally okay to take a step back from a task if its getting you a little heated. Take a break. A snack break, youtube break, take a walk or do all three. Just know that you are going to conquer that task and kick its butt. But first, break time.

10. REWARD YOURSELF!

You did it! You completed your list. Even if you only crossed one thing off, you should still pat yourself on the back, because you accomplished a task you needed to get done. Congrats! Now how about a glass of wine?

- CRY