Multi-Tasking is not an efficient way to use your time. This has been well established and some of the arguments were outlined in my previous post here. That said, there is an aspect of seeking greater time efficiency that does border on multi-tasking. That is seeking to use your time to tackle two separate things that complement one another. So, a key component of our time efficiency is the hunt for complementary activity.
This is not the same as killing many birds with one stone. That involves doing one thing that achieves more than one aim or benefits more than one purpose.
Complementary activities are separate activities that will serve each other, or fit together in some way. They will suffer a little from the multi-tasking or switch tasking element, but the judgement is that the benefits outweigh the costs.
This is normally because the costs are small.
When one activity doesn’t require much focus
Sometimes you will need to do something and actually, you don’t really need to think about it all that much.
Every day, we either need to wash up or we need to empty our dishwasher. This is an ideal time to catch up on YouTube videos or podcasts. Or even just watch whatever TV show or film you fancy.
Washing up etc doesn’t require a lot of attention. What it requires is that your hands be free. Watching something or listening, doesn’t require your hands but can make use of your available attention.
This is a great example of complementary activity. I do find that the activity takes a little longer than it would if I was not watching something.
That’s the cost.
9 times out of 10 it is well worth it.
When one activity fits with another
Sometimes we might have multiple things to do that just sit neatly together and it makes sense to tackle them all in the same slot.
This kind of thing is along the lines of times when you head into town or to the shops to run errands. It makes sense to try and gather all the things that fit this category and do them all in one go. Having to make multiple trips is not time efficient.
When two activities enhance each other
This is the gold standard of what we are looking for here. But it is rare. The truth is how this works will be different for each and everyone one of us.
I think better when I move.
I engage better when I move. So, if I have a phone call to make, I am far better off getting up and moving around.
When I go for a walk, I often get bored.
I am far better off finding something to occupy my mind. So, if I have a call to make I grab my phone and go for a walk.
I walk better and the call is easier.
The same principle applies to listening to podcasts or sermons whilst I run. I engage better with the content and I can run for longer and at a more consistent pace because my mind is occupied.
Two activities, done at the same time, both of them improved because of it. This is the ‘Holy Grail’ of time efficiency.
If you want to maximise the efficiency of your time, go on a hunt for complementary activity.
