Published on
May 30, 2025
Microsteps to help sharpen your focus and avoid overwhelm.
When you have a lot on your plate, it can be tempting to try to tackle everything at once –– but research shows that multitasking doesn’t work. It divides our attention, making it harder to focus.
Monotasking allows us to focus on one thing at a time, which results in better quality work and reduced mental fatigue. Monotasking not only improves productivity, but also helps us feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Here are some Microsteps to help make monotasking easier:
Each morning, define your top 1-3 priorities for the day.
Ask yourself: “What’s the most important thing I need to focus on first?” It’s a simple way to improve your time management and clarify your goals.
Tidy up your desk before you start working.
A clean desk can help you feel more organized and focused. Challenge yourself to throw out 3-5 things that are cluttering your space.
Break up bigger tasks into micro-tasks.
Big projects can feel daunting, which can prevent you from fully focusing on it –– or even getting started. Try breaking up the project into small tasks, and commit to just setting one of them done today.
Close unused tabs and apps not needed for the task.
It’s a simple way to narrow your attention on what you’re working on without being tempted to hop to other projects or answer emails.
Set a 10-minute focus timer.
Committing to smaller chunks of focus time feels less overwhelming than hours at a time. Try setting a timer and working on one task for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes are up, take a one-minute reset break, either to stretch, take a few deep breaths, or get a glass of water.
Use a visual cue to stay on task.
Write down on a sticky note or a piece of paper what you want to accomplish, and keep it on your next or on your laptop. Having the reminder in front of you will help you refocus if your mind starts to drift.
Take microbreaks.
It’s a myth that breaks are the enemy of productivity. Breaks can actually help your brain recharge, sparking new ideas and sharpening your focus. Give yourself permission to take small breaks during the day to walk around, have a snack, call a friend, or do some stretching.
Rebecca Muller Feintuch is the Deputy Editor at Thrive. Her previous work experience includes roles in editorial and digital journalism. Rebecca is passionate about storytelling, self-care, and health and well-being. She is a graduate of New York University, where she studied Media, Culture and Communications with a minor in Creative Writing. For her undergraduate thesis, she researched the relationship between women and fitness media consumerism.