As seen before on Wit & Delight
Editor’s Note: At the beginning of 2022, when everyone’s mind is on fire with new prospects and new intentions, we want to share this post again from 2020. In it, the director Our brand, Bridgette Dutkowski, writes about how she uses the Pomodoro Technique to stay on track. If you’re curious to try it out for yourself, we also have a useful time tracking spreadsheet (you’ll find it at the end of the post) that you can use to plan your tasks for each day. .
Mark, mark, mark, mark. My ticking metronome “focus keeper” app sound in my ears.
Although this entire essay is about unlocking productivity, I found reasons not to write it.
It’s not that I have trouble concentrating. I worked in a bustling open studio for years (and stylish ad offices had little or no privacy before). I’ve been a contractor for five years and sometimes, work from home, just steps away from three noisy kids.
Concentration is not my problem.
Where I ran into trouble was completing an important task, as opposed to a multitude of smaller, but still important, to-do items.
What led me to the Pomodoro Technique was researching and participating in the development of the Wit & Delight line of productivity tools and planners (available now!). I’m not sure what you discuss in your office, but here we are exchanging strategies and techniques on how to get things done efficiently and on time.
While doing a bit of research on how to get more done in less time, I came across Pomodoro Technique. Knowing only a little Italian as a teenager, I was immediately intrigued by how a tomato could help me focus and increase productivity.
Not a fad diet, nor harnessing the power of lutein, the Pomodoro Technique is named for the tomato-shaped kitchen timer by Francesco Cirillo, the method’s developer.
It’s block time, with a more colorful name. Set a timer for 25 minutes and for those 25 minutes focus on ONE THING. No multitasking. There is no break time. No need to scroll through Instagram. Just focus on the single task at hand.
Definition of brass? It’s block time, with a more colorful name. Set a timer for 25 minutes and for those 25 minutes focus on ONE THING. No multitasking. There is no break time. No need to scroll through Instagram. Just focus on the single task at hand.
After 25 minutes of pure, error-free concentration, you get a 5-minute break. Moving, texting, grabbing another cup of coffee because, after those 5 hours, it’s happening again.
Say again.
That’s it.
No brains, right?
It’s a lot harder than I thought. As someone who multi-tasks on the track, focusing on just one task is more difficult than I imagined. My mind spins, and one task leads to another item that I must add to my to-do list. Instead of writing down the less important task, I will do it right away, and not focus on any of the main tasks that I should be focusing on. With this technique, I had to retrain my thinking after years of multitasking, rushing to get things done, and getting things done NOW to fully focus on one main task in each day. sitting times.
This is how I practice the Pomodoro Technique:
I start the morning by writing down my to-do list for the day (this part doesn’t count!). Then I sort my list chronologically priority. Knowing I’m much more productive in the morning, I schedule things I’ve already done so I can spend the afternoon doing more manageable tasks, like answering emails or Review data analysis.
Once I’ve got the SAD on and a cup of coffee in hand, I’ll dive into the first few blocks for 25 minutes. It looks like the following:
- 25 minute block: Content development
- 5 minute break: Breaks
- 25 minute block: Project management
- 5 minute break: Coffee and text break
- 25 minute block: Account Management
- 5 minute break: Bathroom break
I continue this pattern of focusing on a task until it succeeds and then treating myself to five minutes of Insta scrolling or texting without guilt, knowing I’m done (or close to). like completing) a task.
If you’re a multitasker (and really, who isn’t?), this method will take some getting used to. I find it helpful to turn off notifications and hide my phone so it’s not distracting. Obviously, this approach may not work in all professional settings—customer service (“I’m taking a 5-minute break, I’ll see you in a moment.”) or meetings (“I’m on a five-minute break.”) Sorry customer, the timer has run out, I’ll put you on mute so I can pick the perfect GIF for this group text.”) Might not be the best approach for this technique.
By following the Pomodoro Technique, I can get more done in the same amount of time without feeling exhausted at the end of the day.
I’d love to know if you’ve tried this technique before, or how it helps you stay focused.
Want to increase your productivity? Download our free time tracking spreadsheet (picture below) to help you focus on the task at hand!
When she’s taking a break from caring for and raising her three young children, Bridgette enjoys quiz nights, entertainment or history-related podcasts, reading “light” non-fiction books (and occasional movies). horror) and watch TV with her husband.
