M0005 - Task Splitting
Task Splitting
- Task Splitting or Task Chunking is the act of taking a large, complex task or process and breaking it down into its component activities.
- Dividing tasks into smaller, manageable parts makes them less intimidating and easier to start and complete, reducing the risk of avoidance or overwhelm.
- Once a task has been divided, using prioritization frameworks can help you organize your day to address each part, and structured work intervals can help you focus on completing each step efficiently.
NOTE: Task splitting can become a slippery slope if you create too many subtasks, leading to overwhelm or decision fatigue.
Examples
- Step-by-Step Workflows: Breaking down “write a report” into subtasks like “research topic,” “create an outline,” “draft the introduction,” and “edit the draft.”
- Chunking Household Chores: Dividing “clean the house” into smaller tasks like “vacuum the living room,” “dust the shelves,” and “organize the closet,” then addressing each one in sequence.
- Project Milestones: Splitting a long-term project like “plan an event” into actionable steps such as “book a venue,” “send invitations,” and “arrange catering,” with clear timeframes for each.
- Timed Subtasks: Setting a timer for short bursts of effort on specific subtasks, like spending 15 minutes organizing a drawer instead of tackling an entire room.
Discussion
Task Splitting transforms daunting, large-scale projects into a series of smaller, actionable steps, making them less overwhelming and more achievable. Pairing this technique with prioritization frameworks ensures that subtasks are addressed in the right order, while structured work intervals and timers help maintain focus and avoid procrastination. It’s important to use reality testing to prevent over-splitting, which can lead to unnecessary complexity or overwhelm. Adding planned rest between subtasks supports mental recovery, ensuring sustained productivity and preventing burnout. Properly balanced, task splitting is a powerful tool for managing large tasks and enhancing overall efficiency.
Sub- and Co-Mitigations
| Mitigation | Description |
|---|---|
| M0001 - Prioritization Frameworks | Frameworks like the Eisenhower Box that help categorize tasks by urgency and importance to aid in prioritization. |
| M0002 - Structured Work Intervals | Structured work intervals like the Pomodoro technique harbor focused work in timed intervals with short periods of focused break. |
| M0003.002 - Reality Testing | Techniques to evaluate the accuracy of thoughts and perceptions. |
| M0006.002 - Timers | Using timers to better understand the time it takes to accomplish a task or for a sense of timed urgency on a task. |
| M0010.003 - Smart Automation | IoT and algorithm-driven automation, such as IFTT, Smart Home automation, Smart appliances, etc. |
| M0011 - Planned Rest | Planning periods of low-distraction to encourage background mental processing and recovery. |
Expressions
| Expression | Description |
|---|---|
| EX0001.002 - Procrastination due to overwhelm | The task is perceived as difficult, complex, or confusing, with too many moving parts. |
| EX0001.003 - Task Prioritization Difficulty | There are several tasks a person must complete with mixed degrees of urgency or importance. |
| EX0011 - Decision Fatigue | Poorer decision making after long periods of making decisions. |
| EX0015 - Dissociation | A disconnection from the present moment, environment, or one’s own sense of self |