Monotasks: reclaiming focus in an age of distraction. [@fb]
April 20, 2025•412 words
In a small French village, an old baker still kneaded dough by hand as others switched to machines. "Why waste time?" competitors scoffed. Yet every morning, lines formed at his door. When asked his secret, he wiped flour from his hands and said: "The bread tastes better when it knows you're paying attention." This simple truth introduces The Twelve Monotasks - a revolutionary approach to reclaiming focus in an age of distraction.
These 7 lessons reveal how doing less actually lets you achieve more by engaging fully with one thing at a time.
THE MYTH OF MULTITASKING
Brain Science: Task-switching burns 40% more time (NIH study)
Monotask Fix: Single-tasking boosts accuracy + cuts stress
Try This: Eat one meal today with no screens-just taste
What you pay attention to becomes your life.WALKING IS THINKING
Ancient Practice: Philosophers from Aristotle to Nietzsche walked to solve problems
Modern Research: 15-minute walks spark 60% more creativity (Stanford)
Rule: No podcasts-let your mind wanderSLEEP IS YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER
Danger Zone: Checking email in bed reduces next-day focus by 31%
Monotask Ritual:
. Phone outside bedroom
. Read paper books before lights out
. Cool, dark roomTHE LISTENING REVOLUTION
Shocking Stat: Most people retain just 25% of conversations
Active Listening Hack:
. Put devices away
. Repeat back key points
. Notice body language
Result: Deeper connections in half the timeCOOKING AS MEDITATION
Lost Art: 60% of meals now eaten while distracted
Sensory Awakening:
. Chop vegetables slowly
. Smell each spice
. Taste as you go
Bonus: Digestion improves when you focus on foodWORK LIKE A SHERPA
High-Altitude Wisdom: Himalayan porters carry one load at a time-yet climb faster
office
Application:
. Single browser tab
. 90-minute focus blocks
. Physical "do not disturb" signTHE POWER OF BOREDOM
Creativity Secret: Unstructured time breeds breakthrough ideas
Practice: Wait in line without reaching for your phone
Study: People who tolerate boredom score higher on innovation tests
THE BAKER'S LAST LOAF When that baker finally retired, villagers begged for his recipe. He handed them a single card:
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
- All of your attention.
The secret wasn't in the ingredients-but in the undistracted hands that mixed them.
YOUR MONOTASK CHALLENGE:
Today: Do one meeting with pen/paper only
This Week: Walk 15 minutes with empty pockets
This Month: Cook one meal with full sensory focus
FREE AUDIOBOOK: https://amzn.to/44279aK
Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3605154473105415/permalink/4011246742496184