The Best Productivity Method for Procrastinators
How the Pomodoro Technique changed my life
The last 5 months have been a whirlwind of change.
When lockdown began, my employer mandated that everyone work from home indefinitely. My initial reaction was, “Woohoo! I can’t wait to sleep in and wear sweatpants during conference calls!”
But the excitement quickly wore off when I discovered my ability to block out distractions at home was literally non-existent.
Instead of completing my long list of to-dos from my boss, I found myself putting in a load of laundry, taking (another) snack break, and mindlessly scrolling through Instagram.
My normally uber-productive self was gone. And I became increasingly frustrated and ashamed of my new habits and inability to complete tasks, stay focused, and get sh*t done.
After a few weeks of zero productivity, I turned to Dr. Google for help.
To my relief, I quickly found a productivity method that has completely changed my life.
Enter the Pomodoro Technique for productivity. *Queue angelic music*
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that was developed by Francesco Cirillo. It suggests that you break down your work into 25-minute blocks and use a timer to keep track. After completing a block, you allow yourself a short five-minute break. Then start your timer and repeat again and again.
And best of all? The only thing you need is the free timer on your phone.
Here’s how I use the Pomodoro Technique:
STEP 1: Choose a goal.
Before starting the timer, I write down a specific goal for the 25-minute block. For example, answering a bunch of emails, chipping away at a major project, or knocking off a list of small to-dos.
STEP 2: Start the timer.
I then set the timer for 25 minutes and flip over my phone. I don’t let myself look at the time remaining or any notifications coming into my phone until the timer goes off.
STEP 3: Work.
I’m an overly competitive person, so as soon as the timer starts, I focus all of my energy on completing my goal.
STEP 4: Take a break.
When the timer goes off I allow myself to take a five-minute break (and yes, I set a timer for this, too, so I don’t end up in the black hole of Instagram for an hour).
STEP 5: Repeat.
I try to do at least three of these blocks in a row before taking a longer 15-minute break to walk around, grab a snack, or watch a video on YouTube.
When I first implemented this technique into my workday, I actually tracked the number of blocks I completed each day on a whiteboard beside my desk.
Why?
Because I’m a nerd who loves to track things and it helped me stay accountable and motivated to keep up my progress.
This technique has completely changed my work from home success. I’m so relieved to say that I’m now back to feeling proud of my work and productivity.
In fact, I often find myself skipping the five-minute breaks because I’m so in the zone and want to get the task finished.
Why has this technique been so successful for me?
I think it’s a combination of many things.
First, the short 25-minute blocks make it feel approachable and palatable. When I’m in a rut and feeling unmotivated, committing to just 25 minutes of work is easy to do. “If I just do one block today, that’s better than no blocks”.
Second, it gets me into a motivated mindset to help keep me going. After completing the first block of the day, I usually feel proud of my productivity and want to keep going.
And third, it’s a measurable way to self-impose shame. When I look at the board to see that I’ve only accomplished two blocks so far, it gives me the drive to knock out a few more blocks so I don’t look back and feel ashamed of that day.
It’s now been four months since I first starting using the Pomodoro Technique.
And here’s the question I’m sure all of you are wondering: Do I continue to use this method every day?
Honestly? No.
This strategy has helped me learn how to effectively work from home. As a result, I’ve developed subconscious habits that have continued to help me stay focused every day.
But, on days when my motivation is at an all-time low, I start my timer for 25 minutes, convince myself to knock out a task, and conquer it. Typically after two or three blocks, my motivation is back on track.
And I’m proud to say, I’m now back to my uber-productive self.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- If you’re struggling with motivation to work, know that you’re not alone.
- The Pomodoro Technique is an awesome strategy that breaks up productivity into small, palatable chunks and can help you develop long-term habits.
- There are many science-backed techniques that have been developed to help with motivation and productivity. You may have to try a few of them before you find the best one for you.
