Recently, I’ve been trying to increase my productivity, and make sure that I’m spending my time as wisely as possible. I’m currently reading Getting Things Done by David Allen, which I would highly recommend for anyone interested in this topic. Aside from that aspect, I’ve begun adapting the Pomodoro Technique to my own needs and have found that really successful. The Pomodoro Technique is basically 25 minutes of intense focus, followed by a short 5 or so minute break. Then rinse and repeat. Here’s how I’ve adapted it to work for me, and maybe you can adapt it as well:
Many of the tasks I perform take less than 25 minutes, so often I shorten the time down to maybe 15-20 mins. I still use a timer and eliminate all other distractions for that time period, such as email, Twitter, etc… My breaks are generally shorter than 5 minutes, usually just enough time to respond to an email or two, or check Twitter. Then I start over again.
I’ve found that this is a great way to maintain focus on a single task and get it finished in a reasonable amount of time, rather than being constantly interrupted by extraneous notifications from your computer or phone. If you have a hard time ignoring those notifications when they do come in during one of your cycles, I’d recommend turning them off. I think you’ll find your productivity is better off in the long run.
Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
[Image via *saxon*]
Agile Scout says
http://agilescout.com/how-to-be-agile-now-with-tomatoes/
Yup. Good stuff
Chase Livingston says
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Jared Erickson says
good stuff!
like you I have been trying to get focused.. try out http://www.focusboosterapp.com/ it actually times you and your break.
Chase Livingston says
Very nice! I’ve been looking for a nice free app, think I’ve found it!
joanna says
I use a modified version of this with blocks of time from 20-45 minutes. I find it is good for tasks that are big and intimidating or to keep working even when you are tired or would otherwise rather not be working. Sometimes the taught of sitting down for the rest of the afternoon to write (or do whatever other task) is just too much and if you try you will give up very quickly. If you know you only have to work for the next 30 minutes before you get to stop its a lot more achievable to keep pressing onwards.
Chase Livingston says
Agree, very good tips! Thanks for sharing!
Joel Walkley says
How does the Pomodoro technique deal with creative work such as writing? Do you just take a break and then get back at the same task for another 25 min?
I’m thinking about sermon writing – the actual writing part, I use Omm Writer which is a full screen, block out all notifications app; and so that helps me stay focused…but I tend to stay focused for maybe 4 hours at a time, which may turn out to be counterproductive.
Chase Livingston says
If it were me I’d probably time myself and write for 25 mins or so and then take a break, but I’ve also heard of folks breaking things up, so maybe writing the introduction in 25 mins, or whatever small chunk you can get done in that amount of time, so you set small goals along the way until you’re completely finished.
joanna says
I just take a break and go back to the same thing. Whether it would work probably depends on your working style. If you get super in the zone and hate having your train of thought broken, it might not work so well for you. If like me you are easily distracted but can jump back into whatever you were doing easily it works well.
James Cooper says
I tend to listen to music when I’m working and with most albums being 30-45mins I find that doing an ‘albums worth’ of work is a good way of timing… If I’m finished then I can check twitter in the remaining tracks or if I need to over run by a couple of minutes it’s a nice reminder that it’s time for a break soon!
Chase Livingston says
Yeah, just knowing there’s a break coming makes pushing through the work that much easier.
Marcus Williamson says
Good word man. I’ll have to try this soon
Loren Pinilis says
I blog about productivity, so this subject is near and dear to my heart. The Pomodoro technique is good, but I’ve found an even more powerful approach is simply to be aware of your focus levels without regards to any particular time limit. This way, if you need to take a break after 5 minutes, you can. If you can go an hour without a break, then you can.
Deciding when to take breaks is the tough part. That’s why, for Christians, I advocate what I call “The Prayer Test.” It’s worked wonders for me!
http://www.lifeofasteward.com/prayer-test/
Chase Livingston says
Great thoughts Loren! I think everyone’s attention span is different, so adapting any of these suggestions for your own attention span is a great way to remain productive. Thanks for the insight!
kime says
there is pomodoro technique based GAME called Pomodorium