Big projects can be overwhelming, leaving us paralyzed, unable to take the first step or keep the momentum as we proceed with our work. As a result, we might fall prey to procrastination or even quit, with a bunch of excuses.
If you have experienced such an overwhelming feeling, we have brought you a magic solution: task snacking!
What is Task Snacking?
Like breaking down big, heavy meals into smaller digestible ones, task snacking involves breaking down large projects into manageable “bits” to track progress on short bursts. This trick boosts concentration and enhances the ability to pay attention to details within large projects.
Moreover, the constant accomplishment of these “bits” and crossing off things on the to-do list sends a message to the brain to release dopamine—the neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s reward system, mood, attention, and more. This helps promote consistency without draining energy.
Benefits of Task Snacking
According to research, our brains are better equipped to accomplish tasks when they are broken down into smaller steps. That is exactly what task snacking is about; it motivates us to get started, eliminating the hidden obstacles resulting from starting new projects, such as stress, uncertainty, confusion, etc.
Added to the above-mentioned benefits, task-snacking helps:
- Boost motivation through quick wins represented in micro snacks. Such a reward builds up and makes us feel like we have accomplished something. Consequently, our brain releases dopamine, which motivates us to keep going and fight negative thoughts and feelings.
- Build momentum through accomplished tiny tasks that make us view the final target as reachable. Additionally, it promotes consistency without feeling drained or burnt out.
- Make big tasks less intimidating and turn the seemingly impossible tasks into achievable ones by tackling small pieces that finally lead to completing a large project.
- Save energy by feeding the sense of accomplishment and eliminating stress.
How to Implement Task Snacking into Your Schedule
Task snacking fits in diverse types of To-do lists, even the hectic ones. If your schedule is crammed with tasks, you can insert bits of the required task in between large ones. The sequence of task snacking goes as follows:
- Identify a major task or project’s component that you want to accomplish, then break it down into smaller steps, each requiring about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Identify your priorities; what is urgent and can wait for later, then assign a timeline to each of them.
- Start early with one bite at a time. If you feel able to continue, just do that with another snack and keep going. If not, stop! It is about progressing without pressure.
- Attach these snacks to a trigger in your daily life to make it easy and more of a habit.
- Keep a small list handy to choose your bits between classes, training sessions, etc.
- Celebrate small wins to feel progress without waiting for the final destination.
The next time you are starting a large task, ask yourself: What is one small snack I can start with right now? Keep in mind, each small step you take is a win and those wins add up.
References
clevelandclinic.org
verywellmind.com
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Cover image by Freepik