monotasking
One thing only
Monotasking is focusing on one task at a time rather than juggling several simultaneously.
The term emerged as a deliberate counter to multitasking, which research suggests often reduces efficiency and increases errors.
Monotasking treats sustained attention as a skill to cultivate: I've been monotasking all morning—phone off, email closed, just this one project.
Sustained single-minded attention
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- engrossmentTotal absorption in something
- immersionState of being submerged
presence · mindfulness · intentness · single-mindedness · heedfulness · vigilance · awareness · attentiveness
Firm pledge to act
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- diligenceCareful, persistent effort
- resolveFirmness of purpose
tenacity · steadfastness · purposefulness · self-control · willpower · determination · consistency · restraint
Sequential task progression
- prioritizationRanking by importance
- organizationStructured group with purpose
- planningArranging for future events
- throughputProcessing rate over time
output · efficiency · batching · deliverables · progress · accomplishment
Systematic operation on data
- clarityState of being understandable
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
- reflectionReturned light or thought
reasoning · analysis · synthesis · understanding · insight
Aesthetic of reduction
- streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
- declutteringEliminating unnecessary possessions
- essentialismDoctrine of fixed natures
- reductionMaking something smaller
concentration
Sustained single-minded attention
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- engrossmentTotal absorption in something
immersion · presence · mindfulness · intentness · single-mindedness · heedfulness · vigilance · awareness · attentiveness
commitment
Firm pledge to act
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- diligenceCareful, persistent effort
resolve · tenacity · steadfastness · purposefulness · self-control · willpower · determination · consistency · restraint · habit
workflow
Sequential task progression
- prioritizationRanking by importance
- organizationStructured group with purpose
- planningArranging for future events
throughput · output · efficiency · batching · deliverables · progress · accomplishment
processing
Systematic operation on data
- clarityState of being understandable
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
reflection · reasoning · analysis · synthesis · understanding · insight
minimalism
Aesthetic of reduction
- streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
- declutteringEliminating unnecessary possessions
- essentialismDoctrine of fixed natures
reduction · simplification · uncluttered · selectivity · curation
- productivityproductivity, checking off, prioritization, finishing, output
- focus aidstimers, coffee, alarms, tea, checklists
- mindfulness practicessilent meditation, breathing exercises, breathwork, deep breathing, box breathing
monotaskingmultitasking
Doing several things concurrently
divided attention · parallel processing · juggling · task-switching · multi-threading
task, tasks, tasked, tasking, mono, multitasking, monotask, single-tasking