Multitasking is the process of working on two or more projects at the same time. For example, speaking with a client on the phone while writing a blog post, taking down notes or points while listening to a podcast, traveling while writing a to-do list, or working on two tasks at the same time.
A lot of freelancers, myself included like to multitask because it helps save time by being able to focus on two projects at the same time. Multitasking is also getting a lot of work done in less time.
Multitasking is inevitable as it is part of everyday life because we do it without even knowing it; like greeting a friend while talking to someone on the phone, feeding your baby while cooking, and attending to numerous customer inquiries online, etc.
I’ve been able to put together four hacks for freelancers that have helped me in the multitasking area of my freelancing journey and they are;
1. Be Productive During Chores
One of my favorite multitasking hacks is to find ways to make a less productive time or activity productive by squeezing in a productive task in that time so that you can be able to accomplish more.
For instance, when traveling and not driving, I write blog posts or write content stories for pages I manage. I can end up planning out or writing two weeks’ worth of content on a single trip. You can consider turning travel time into a creative haven by crafting blog posts or video scripts.
When I’m taking a walk down my close, I listen to my favorite podcasts that I always listen to.
When I also do house chores like cleaning, laundry, and dishes, I put on my headphones or sometimes, I connect my phone to the sound system and listen to something informative like a podcast as I earlier stated in the second paragraph, or an audiobook so in that same time frame I can accomplish more.
Whether commuting or waiting, these pockets of time can become valuable productive moments for you. You can transform your chores into a learning experience too. You do not have to wait till your office hours before you can become productive.
2. Remove All Forms Of Distractions
To get some job done, you need to eliminate every form of distraction by either putting away your mobile gadget by turning it off or putting it on “DO NOT DISTURB”, turning off notifications from your social media platforms, and checking your emails.
You can also keep your door closed so you are not interrupted unnecessarily by family and friends.
By removing these distractions, you possess the ability to focus on tasks or projects that require your full concentration.
3. Effective Time Management
Effectively planning and managing your time can help you as a freelancer focus and prioritize the projects you have at hand and how you can multitask to be able to deliver on time.
It can be challenging to manage your time properly especially if your workstation is your home and to stay on top of your deadlines, you need to create a detailed and specific to-do list so you can stick to the schedule for that day.
I created a schedule for myself last year and I would like to share with you what it looks like, maybe you can create yours from this;
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7 am: Check my phone and email and reply to messages. I wake up by 6 am so I try to do all my chores before 7.
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8 am: Have my bath and breakfast.
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9 am to 12 pm: Research the topics/articles I need to write for clients or the blog.
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Noon to 2 pm: I make and have lunch or I order a takeout.
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2 pm to 4 pm: I discuss with clients, check my social media pages and emails, and reply to messages, I also call back anyone whom I missed their calls. Then, I take a walk or I lay down for a while.
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4 pm to 7 pm: I continue on the articles and blog posts.
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7 pm: I call it a day and I make dinner.
Remember, it is crucial to set your work hours so you can know what you can accomplish in a day and also how to multitask to get the jobs done.
4. Delegation
As a freelancer who wants to multitask and at the same time deliver tasks before deadlines, you need to know how to either delegate or outsource.
You can outsource the projects that do not require too much or are ‘less important’ to someone capable of performing such roles so you can focus on the more ‘difficult ones’.
For example, if you are a digital marketer who is paid to manage a campaign, you need to set up Facebook ads and create ad creatives, and copies, you can choose the part that comes easily to you and then, delegate the other parts like getting a graphic designer to design the ad, a videographer that will create the ad creative and a writer who will write the ad copy. By doing this, you can still multitask and still deliver premium.
Know your limit and delegate.
You can also maximize productivity during less productive times as a freelancer because it can transform mundane moments into opportunities for accomplishing tasks for you.
Although multitasking has a lot of pros, it also has its cons as well if you are not so careful. You can avoid the bad sides and master the art of multitasking by applying these four hacks.
