Single-Minded Magic

Embracing Your Brain's Natural Superpower!

Ditch the Juggling Act and Shine Your Way

I'm someone who gets things done. I make a list and love to cross things off. I am productive and focused most of the time. Because society rewards it, you might be thinking to yourself as you read this, "Oh, she is one of those multitaskers we are all supposed to strive to be."

Nope. And that's okay.

For years, I tried to live up to the multitasking expectation. My mother insisted it was a skill I'd naturally develop once I had children - another expectation I wasn't sure I wanted to fulfill. Although a part of me wondered if she was right, I didn't think major life decisions were the way to prove her wrong.

The reason I want to tackle this topic is that it came up in a recent writers' meeting. I heard myself dismissing multitasking with a sarcastic tone and realized I still struggle with not living up to some invisible standard. Even as I intellectually reject the multitasking myth, emotionally, I'm still caught in its grip.

Giving Ourselves Permission

In this week's Fearless Authenticity, I want to address the permission we need to give ourselves to be who we are meant to be. There's a certain peace that comes with accepting who you truly are. For me, that means embracing my singular focus, my ability to dive deep into one task, give it my complete attention, and emerge with work I'm genuinely proud of.

Because of this acceptance, I have begun to structure my days and weeks to mesh with my need for singular focus. And it's working beautifully.

The Singular Focus Advantage

When we're singularly focused:

• We're fully present in the moment

• The quality of our work improves dramatically

• We experience deeper satisfaction in our accomplishments

• We finish tasks more completely before moving to the next

• We're more likely to enter a "flow state," where time disappears

I've found that tasks completed with singular focus rarely need to be revisited or corrected. There's a thoroughness that comes with giving something your undivided attention.

The Cost of Conformity

Remember that plate spinner, running from plate to plate, trying to keep them all spinning on high sticks? When a plate crashed down because he hadn't gotten to it in time, he failed, the audience was disappointed, and he left the stage, his head down in shame.

There's a real psychological cost to forcing yourself into a work style that contradicts your natural tendencies. This leads to anxiety, impostor syndrome, and a persistent feeling of inadequacy. I've spent countless hours trying to rewire my brain to work in ways that feel fundamentally unnatural - time that could have been spent excelling through my natural strengths.

The truth is, neurodiversity in work styles is as real and valid as any other form of human variation. Some brains are simply wired for deep, singular focus rather than rapid task-switching. Trying to force everyone into the same multitasking mold isn't just inefficient, it's a form of erasure that denies the rich diversity of human cognitive styles.

Finding Your Rhythm

I've stopped apologizing for how I work. I've stopped trying to be someone I'm not. Instead, I give myself permission to focus deeply on one task at a time and move through my day with intention, rather than with frantic energy.

Most importantly, I've stopped internalizing others' expectations. Their comments and assumptions reflect their worldview, not accurate assessments of my capabilities.

This doesn't mean I accomplish less. Quite the opposite. By honoring my natural inclination toward singular focus, I find I'm more efficient, more thorough, and more satisfied with what I produce.

The Workplace Paradox

Multitasking remains a highly valued skill in many workplaces, even as studies show it reduces productivity by up to 40%, temporarily lowers IQ by 15 points, and affects work quality. Some multitaskers produce less quality work and make more mistakes.

Why is this paradox so persistent? Largely because workplace culture often rewards the appearance of busyness over actual effectiveness. Employers ask for this ability without fully understanding its costs.

Here's a fascinating twist: studies show people who were told they were "multitasking" performed better than those told they were doing a single task, even though both groups were doing exactly the same activity! In reality, neither group was actually multitasking at all.

This suggests it's our mindset, not the juggling of multiple tasks itself, that sometimes creates a performance boost.

It's important to note that most studies on multitasking don't differentiate between people who naturally thrive with multiple streams of attention and those who struggle with it. Some people genuinely excel at handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Their brains are wired for it. Others find their productivity plummets when forced to switch contexts. The research typically lumps everyone together, which misses this crucial distinction.

So while true multitasking (rapidly switching between different tasks) typically reduces efficiency for many people, for some, it's their natural state of peak performance. The key is knowing which camp you fall into and honoring that truth about yourself.

The Permission Slip

So here it is—your permission slip to embrace whatever work style serves you best. Whether you thrive on singular focus or excel at juggling multiple tasks, the key is authenticity. Honor your natural tendencies instead of forcing yourself into someone else's mold.

For those who, like me, prefer singular focus: Your permission to close the extra tabs, both in your browser and in your mind. Your permission to say, "I'll get to that next, but right now, this deserves my full attention."

For those who genuinely thrive with multiple streams of attention: Your permission to embrace that natural ability without shame or the need to justify it.

Being true to your authentic work style doesn't make you less capable. It makes you present. It makes you effective. It makes you true to yourself.

And isn't that who we're all meant to be?

A Deeper Dive

Your Work Style Compass: A 5-Minute Self-Discovery Exercise

Take a moment to discover your natural work tendencies with this simple exercise:

Step 1: Quick Reflection (2 minutes)

Think about the last three tasks where you felt completely "in the zone" - productive, energized, and satisfied with the outcome. Write them down. Now briefly note:

• Were you focusing on one thing or juggling multiple tasks?

• What was your environment like? (Quiet/busy, alone/with others)

• How did your energy feel during and after?

Step 2: The Workday Test (2 minutes)

Imagine two different workdays:

Day A: You tackle one complete project before moving to the next, with minimal interruptions.

Day B: You work on multiple projects simultaneously, switching between them throughout the day.

Which scenario makes you feel:

• More energized?

• Less stressed?

• More likely to produce your best work?

There's no right answer - just your authentic preference.

Step 3: Honor Your Truth (1 minute)

Based on your reflections, write a simple permission slip to yourself:

"I give myself permission to _________________ because that's how I naturally work best."

Post it somewhere visible in your workspace as a reminder that authenticity trumps external expectations.

Remember: The most productive version of you is the one that honors your natural tendencies—whether that means embracing singular focus or celebrating your multitasking magic!

Daily Mantra

Carry this mantra with you throughout the week, especially when facing challenges:

I trust my natural rhythm.
I focus my way, not their way.
My authentic flow creates my best work.
I am exactly how I'm meant to be.

Repeat each morning or whenever you feel external pressure to conform to someone else's work style. Keep it visible, perhaps alongside your permission slip, as a gentle reminder of your commitment to authenticity.

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As you continue to navigate social expectations and personal choices, remember that your path is uniquely yours. Embrace the journey, celebrate your accomplishments, and surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. Join me each Sunday at 10:10 a.m. ET for inspiration, encouragement, and community. Why 1010? In numerology, 1010 symbolizes new beginnings, spiritual awakening, and the realization of our potential.