Instead of writing a list of the things we have to do, in timeboxing (a term borrowed from Agile project management) we estimate the time each will take and put them in our calendars. However, the practice of timeboxing can help to boost productivity further. Simply making lists more detailed (specifying what really needs to be achieved and adding in more context rather than simply noting down “draft new proposal”) can make them a whole lot more effective. The humble to-do list has been under attack in recent years, portrayed as an overlong list that simply paralyses us with the sheer number of choices on offer, lacking sufficient differentiation between tasks of different lengths, complexity or importance, and providing us with no incentive to focus on anything other than the things we like to do or that are easy to tackle. To-do lists lack commitment devices which lock us into a course of action. If necessary, start the process again.ĭownload a timer and give the power of the pomodoro a go. After four pomodoros, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).Take a short break (three-to-five minutes).Set the pomodoro timer (the default is 25 minutes, but this can be customised).The Pomodoro Technique has six basic steps: And they really do improve focus and flow. Those breaks really do begin to feel like a reward. Pomodoro’s regular sequence of focused intervals and breaks is proven to increase attention span, train concentration and provide mental stimulation and motivation – all the while busting the cognitive boredom we might experience from working on a task for too long. But don’t be deceived by its folksy origins – the technique is underpinned by some very sound science. Its name comes from the Italian for tomato Cirillo apparently had a tomato-shaped kitchen timer when he was a student. However, there are useful techniques we can deploy to help us set clearer boundaries when we need to zone in.ĭeveloped by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique is a simple tool to help us break down tasks into intervals, separated by short breaks. Maintaining this level of focus can be challenging, particularly when faced with life’s “hailstorm of distractions” and requires a strong dose of intentionality, discipline and self-control. When we are in a true state of ‘flow’ – as defined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – we are fully engaged in a task and at the peak of our productivity, exercising control over our consciousness. A range of practical methods exist to help us ‘zone in’ and concentrate on the task at hand.
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