Forget Multitasking This Is How You Get More Done

This week, I had the opportunity to deliver my Productivity Masterclass to a new client called My Sherpa, led by accomplished speaker John Cremer. I delivered the 3-hour session on Tuesday in Sussex, but I stayed for two nights to enjoy the whole trip and avoid the rush hour traffic on the M25.
 
One of my current priorities is to find genuine enjoyment in my work. Since adopting this mindset, I’ve noticed a significant increase in my energy levels, a more profound sense of fulfilment, and a renewed appreciation for the work I do each day.
 
I took this information from their website, which explains what they do and how they help business leaders climb their personal mountains.
 
In a climbing context, Sherpas are highly regarded as elite mountaineers and experts in their local area. They serve as guides and mentors for extreme mountaineering expeditions and challenges.
 
Remember that it took two climbers—Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay—to be the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
 
My Sherpa Programmes have the benefit of three types of elite Sherpas:

• My Sherpa Programme facilitators and coaches who design the Programmes and lead the sessions.
• Speakers who are leading experts in their field and deliver Masterclasses to help participants develop their leadership, management, and personal skills.
• The other participants in the My Sherpa Programmes bring a wealth of real-life experience from other businesses, markets, and industries.

 
I had a fantastic time working with the group as we explored various practical techniques designed to help them achieve more in less time.
 
Deep Work was one of the standout techniques we covered — and a personal favourite of mine.
 
Deep work means focusing intensely without distractions on a mentally demanding task — the work that really counts, helps you learn, or creates something valuable.
 
Sample Deep Work Routine
 
9:00 – 9:15 AM – Prepare the Mind
Quick walk, stretch, or cup of tea/coffee
 
Write down your deep work goal for the session (e.g., “Edit article,” “Learn new concept,” “Write lesson plan”)
 
9:15 – 10:00 AM – Deep Work Session #1
Turn off all notifications.
 
No multitasking — just one task, complete focus
 
Use a timer (try 45 minutes)
 
10:00 – 10:10 AM – Short Break
Get up, move, hydrate — but no screens.
 
Let your brain breathe.
 
10:10 –10:55 AM – Deep Work Session #2
Pick up where you left off or start a new, focused task.
 
10:55 AM – Wrap-Up
Jot down what you accomplished and plan what to tackle next time.

 
I aim to fit in at least three 90-minute deep work sessions each day. Research shows you can accomplish up to three times more in this focused state than multitasking.
 
You’ll be amazed at how much meaningful, high-quality work you can produce using this approach. When you’re intensely focused, your brain shifts into a powerful, high-performance mode — and here’s what happens to your brain during deep work:
 
 1. Switches into Focus Mode (Task-Positive Network)
Your brain activates the task-positive network (TPN) for concentration, attention, and problem-solving. At the same time, the default mode network (DMN) — the “daydream” network — quiets down.
 
Result: You stop thinking about dinner, your phone, or your to-do list — and lock in.
 
 2. Neural Pathways Strengthen
The more time you spend in focused work, the more myelin (a protective layer around neurons) forms around the circuits you’re using.
 
Result: Your brain becomes faster and more efficient at that type of thinking — you’re literally building “mental muscles.”
 
 3. Prefrontal Cortex Takes the Lead
Your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that handles planning, decision-making, and complex thinking, becomes more engaged.
 
Result: You’re better at solving problems, making connections, and staying organised mentally.
 
 4. Mental Noise Decreases
As distractions fade, your cognitive load lightens. You can process information more deeply because you’re not constantly switching tasks.
 
Result: You retain more, make fewer mistakes, and experience “flow” — that feeling of being in the zone.
 
 5. Dopamine Rewards
When you solve problems or make progress, your brain releases small amounts of dopamine — the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
 
Result: Deep work actually feels good and reinforces itself with a sense of satisfaction.

 
When you’re in deep work, your brain is:

• Fully engaged
• Learning faster
• Building stronger neural connections
• Blocking distractions
• Feeling more rewarded 

 
Thoughts for the week: 

1. What distracts you the most?
2. What tasks deserve your full focus?
3. Have you ever tried deep work?
4. This week, try to block out time for deep work.
5. Follow the guidelines in this blog and see how it works for you. 
6. Let me know how you get on. 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing.
 
Warm regards

John

https://jdmindcoach.com/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/