Introduction

Five-minute tasks do not seem like a long period of work.

You send an email. A follow-up email needs sending. You look at a document. Perhaps you answer a question or look for information to give somebody.

Usually, you take care of it.

Then another task comes up. Soon, another one follows.

Pretty soon, you find yourself working in bits and pieces.

The Problem Is Not the Five-Minute Task

The problem is not during those five minutes of activity but what happens after.

You pause what you are doing. Your attention moves to the message. Then you attempt to get back into the same place you stopped in your original task. Before long, you return to your work and face another interruption.

Eventually, repeated interruptions make it increasingly difficult to maintain focus on work that needs proper attention.

This is particularly relevant when you are the one whom everybody depends on for small tasks. You do not necessarily have too much work, but these small tasks keep distracting you.

Small Tasks Can Take More Than Five Minutes

A five-minute task does not necessarily mean it takes only five minutes to complete.

You need time to understand it, switch from your other work, complete it, and then bring yourself back to your work.

This explains why many business owners feel very busy throughout the day but cannot achieve much of what matters most.

One should ask the question, “Do I need to spend time on this?” rather than asking, “How long will it take me to do this?”

Allow the Small Tasks Another Place to Be Done

Here is where the Tasktide Virtual Assistant can play an important role.

Daily emails, scheduling, follow-ups, research, document revisions, and other small tasks can move forward without constantly disturbing you throughout the day.

You can use the Tasktide virtual assistants to remove these tasks from your plate while ensuring they get done.

This will leave you free to concentrate on those tasks that need your involvement.

If you find yourself losing time during the day because of five-minute tasks, Tasktide can provide you with virtual assistant assistance. You can also learn more about how businesses can outsource routine functions through the U.S. Small Business Administration.