The Power of Being Present: How Focusing on One Task at a Time Can Transform Your Creative Life

Jennifer Boyer
Feb 27
3 min read

As artists and musicians, the pressure to juggle multiple responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Writing songs, practicing your craft, promoting your work on social media, booking gigs, and managing finances often happen simultaneously. Multitasking might seem like the only way to stay afloat, but research—and lived experience—suggests otherwise.

Being present and focusing on one task at a time not only enhances productivity but also nurtures your mental health and creative energy. It’s a practice that invites clarity, reduces stress, and deepens your connection to your art.

Disclaimer: I am not a therapist or mental health professional. Any current or future blog posts on CreatingWithImpact.com are a reflection of personal experience and research only.

For more insights and discussions on topics like this, listen to the Creating With Impact podcast here.

The Myth of Multitasking

Many of us pride ourselves on being great multitaskers. But the truth is, multitasking often leads to:

Reduced Quality: Dividing your attention can result in mistakes or work that doesn’t meet your standards.
Increased Stress: Constantly switching between tasks keeps your brain in a state of overdrive, leading to burnout.
Loss of Presence: Multitasking robs you of the joy and satisfaction that comes from immersing yourself fully in a single task.

Studies show that the brain isn’t wired to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously. Instead, it rapidly switches between tasks, which can leave you feeling mentally drained and emotionally disconnected.

The Benefits of Single-Tasking

Choosing to focus on one task at a time—also known as single-tasking—can have profound effects on your mental health and creativity.

1. Enhanced Creativity

When you give your full attention to a task, you allow your mind to explore it deeply. This focus often leads to innovative ideas and breakthroughs that multitasking stifles.

2. Reduced Anxiety

Multitasking can create a constant sense of urgency. Single-tasking, on the other hand, encourages a calmer, more deliberate approach to your work.

3. Increased Productivity

Focusing on one thing at a time often leads to faster completion and better results. You’ll spend less time fixing mistakes or revisiting unfinished tasks.

4. Deeper Fulfillment

When you’re fully present, you connect more deeply with your art, your audience, and yourself. This connection is at the heart of meaningful creative work.

How to Cultivate Presence

Here are some practical tips for embracing single-tasking in your creative life:

1. Prioritize Your Tasks

Start each day by identifying your most important tasks. Focus on completing them one by one, rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

2. Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Minimize interruptions by silencing notifications, setting boundaries with others, and dedicating specific times for deep work.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing into your routine. These practices can help you stay grounded and focused.

4. Set Clear Boundaries

Schedule specific times for tasks like checking emails or managing social media. Avoid letting these activities bleed into your creative time.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate each completed task. This reinforces the habit of single-tasking and boosts your motivation.

The Impact on Mental Health

For artists and musicians, mental health is deeply tied to the creative process. Single-tasking supports mental well-being by:

Reducing Overwhelm: Focusing on one task at a time prevents the chaos of trying to do everything at once.
Encouraging Rest: Single-tasking allows you to finish your work more efficiently, leaving time for rest and self-care.
Building Confidence: Completing tasks with intention and focus can help you feel more accomplished and in control.

In a world that glorifies hustle culture and constant productivity, choosing to be present with one task at a time is a radical act of self-care. For artists and musicians, it’s a way to honor your craft, protect your mental health, and reconnect with the joy of creating.

So the next time you feel the urge to multitask, take a breath, choose one thing, and give it your full attention. Your art—and your mind—will thank you.