Do Less, Get More Done: Boost Productivity and Wellbeing by Doing Fewer Things at Once

We all know what it’s like to juggle multiple projects at once. It’s become a common part of modern work life. But have you ever wondered if this constant multitasking is holding you back? The truth is that managing too many tasks at once can cause more stress, slow down your progress, and negatively affect your overall wellbeing. Let’s explore how this happens and find ways to regain control by focusing on fewer things at a time.

Understanding Administrative Overhead

Administrative overhead, a concept popularised by Cal Newport, refers to the peripheral tasks surrounding a project, like emails, arranging meetings, and attending calls. Although simple, these tasks can be deceptively time-consuming and energy-draining. When you’re spread across multiple projects, the administrative load increases, leading to more frequent context-switching and reduced efficiency.

The key to reducing administrative overhead is to limit the number of active projects you work on at any time.

The Cost of Context-Switching

Context-switching — jumping between different tasks, projects, or tools — can seriously drain your energy and lower your productivity. Even something as…