This year I have actively been attempting to take my own advice and stop multitasking. In reality it has been more a case of trying to reduce rather than completely eliminate! But it is a start.

But a few days ago I caught myself at a particularly bad multitasking moment: I had five different screens and programs open on my computer (moving back and forth between a number of jobs and social media), I was checking the calendar on my phone and scribbling reminders on my notepad and to top it all off, eating lunch at the same time.

I know it’s a sign of my busiest time of year, where all my usual habits for planning and prioritising go out the window. But that is where the excuses need to end! Because as I just alluded to, it involves re-writing and creating new habits. Unfortunately, although my ‘rest of year’ habits have improved, as soon as ‘crazy end of year’ time came into play, the habits were forgotten.

Are you in the same boat, either in your busy times or all year around? Here are some tips to change your work patterns and ditch the multitasking!

1. Stop and tidy up. Most of us don’t keep a completely clean desk or work space 100% of the time. Clearing the clutter, filing and cleaning up has a great impact on your ability to focus on tasks.
2. Write out your tasks for the day and/or week. And then spend some time prioritising them. This doesn’t have to be an exact science or follow a prescribed ‘system’ (even though there are many good ones out there). It may be as simple as circling the urgent jobs or doing all the little tasks first.
3. Turn off your email and social media notifications. Instead, set a time limit (e.g. once an hour at most if you can) and check only at those times.

These tips are just a start, but will go a long way to helping you focus on all the things that need to be done, reducing distractions and increasing your productivity.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender

Men still dominate the top of the corporate ladder because many women take time out of their careers to raise children. But in most other areas, women are beginning to lead the way – in fact a US study has shown that twelve out of the fifteen fastest-growing professions are dominated by women.

Why is that so? Some theories suggest that in order to succeed, you need a good attention span, be emotionally sensitive and be able to communicate well. This is often a difficult task for boys and our current education system is perhaps more suited to girls.

However, there is another theory being bandied about: that is, perhaps women are more adaptable to change? US author Hanna Rosin argues that women are like immigrants who have moved to a new country – they flexibly adapt to new circumstances. Conversely, she says that men are like immigrants who have physically moved, but have kept their minds in the old country. They speak the old language and follow the old way of doing things.

From the point of view of a female business owner who is also the parent of two young boys, I would add that the experience of being a primary caregiver also develops great skills in adaptability, multi-tasking and switching frequently between tasks. I’ve learnt to be less of a perfectionist (in a positive sense!) and to grab opportunities when they come my way. This is not to say men cannot possess these skills (many do!) but as research is showing, women are adapting to change and perhaps becoming more resilient than men when it comes to surviving in a changing economy.

So next time you are switching between making lunches, helping with homework, putting on a load of washing, and organising appointments, be assured that it’s assisting you to become a successful business owner!

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender