#550: The Cost of Context Switching & How You Can Minimize It

Toggling between apps negatively impacts your focus – here’s how to minimize it (and still get stuff done)

On any given day, I have a number of apps open on my computer and my phone to help me run my business -- from Asana, to Voxer, to Kajabi where I host my digital courses.

Thank goodness for these platforms, because let’s be real – even just ten years ago, having an online business was much more difficult because this sort of technology just wasn’t available.

And while these applications allow online businesses to run seamlessly, I recently read a study that reported that the average person spends five work weeks – or nine percent of their annual time at work – context switching, a.k.a reorienting themselves after toggling to something new.

That’s a lot of wasted time, and beyond that, constantly having to readjust takes a toll on your ability to focus. 

This article really got me thinking about some different ways that I could minimize context switching in my workday -- and since I’ve put some of them into practice, I’ve noticed that I’m much better able to stay in the zone.

In this episode, I’m sharing the four ways I avoid context switching throughout the day, and how it’s helped me to be more productive.

So close out of all those apps on your phone, pop in your earpods, and get ready to focus on this informative episode.  

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [03:22] Context switching is going from one application to another. Average users toggle between apps nearly 1,200 times a day.
• [04:41] Context switching increases the brain's production of cortisol.
• [06:31] I plan out my ideal work week and set themes for each work day.
• [07:22] I have guidelines in place for Slack. I don't want my team to have to stop and check the app every time there's a notification.
• [08:11] Look at all the tools you use and how you use them to decide if there's any way you could simplify the process.
• [08:47] The most important thing you can do is give yourself permission to stay focused and in the zone. Setting timers is a great way to do this.
• [10:47] Homework: What do you plan to do in order to reduce context switching? DM @AmyPorterfield with one thing you're going to do in the next 24 hours.

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