Why I love The Pomodoro Technique
I constantly struggle with time management and focus. I’ve been gradually improving, but it’s at a snail’s crawl then I want! Ms. Hunt introduced me to the pomodoro technique, and with more research, I found the homepage and other apps and websites to help with staying on task.
http://www.pomodorotechnique.com
The concept is simple: Work in 25 minute chunks (a pomodoro), with 5 minute breaks in between. After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15~30 minute break.
Now, you can just try this, or get more into it like I have. Keep track of how many pomodoros it takes to complete a single task. Also keep track of how many self-imposed distractions (for example: check twitter). Make a note of them. Can it wait until after this pomodoro? Often times after that chunk of work, it doesn’t really become that big of a deal to do after all.
Keep these records, and after a month or so, see what your average is to complete a single task. Now challenge yourself to finish it in less pomodoros. Find shortcuts, or just try to do it faster.
I’m sure there will be a list of things you wanted to do during your task. You make this into inventory list! And when you finish your first tasks, you can assign these afterwards or for another day. I have a loooong list of small things and major projects. I’ll finish them someday!
A nice pomodoro app is Focus Booster. You can also use their website if you don’t want to install it or don’t have a Mac. Another one I’m testing this week is simply the Pomodoro, that hangs out in the task bar. Pomodoro has a lot more options, but Focus Booster is much more visible.
Now I do have my Mega-list but it’s a train wreck. From several comic/art podcasts I learned about the app called Things: a time and project manager. I was kinda meh at first: it’s $50! But after my 15 day trial, I really wanted to keep using it. I find it incredibly useful to keep track of my little projects and tasks, and helps curb that time anxiety. It has an “inbox” for any little thing. I usually put reminders in there. You can schedule tasks, for something in the future or if it’s a daily/weekly thing. I love the “Someday” box, that’s where I put projects that I will get to eventually, but no time for yet. The “Projects” section is where you can group small tasks for one big project. Very helpful!
Of course, in the end, it’s up to myself to put the time in. The technique and apps are great assistants, but they can’t force me to sit down and work. But I’ll keep improving!
