I have been the biggest procrastinator I know and the habit caused me a lot of struggle and self-doubt as I was just not able to follow through my plans and desires. (By Gretchen Rubin's framework my tendency type is Rebel, meaning that I often resist all, inner and outer, expectations - mostly my own).
It has been a huge learning curve for me to learn how to say no, also for myself, and set boundaries, when I just want to do this and that quickly, and ideas pop up in my head, which just distracts me (nowadays I write the them down “for later” so that I make myself to believe that I don't miss a thing).
I know so many of us who work themselves or manage their own time and schedule and struggle a lot with their time management. I wanted to share a technique with you that helps to get things fast and efficiently and it helps you to commit your goals and tasks.
How to increase your productivity, do things efficiently and keep your focus?
This is called Pomodoro method (Pomodoro means tomato in Italian), which is amazing when you don’t have much time and you want to get things done fast and optimize your time and effort.
Many people use way too much time for simple things as they just don’t do it. This method increases your productivity when you start using it (and it makes you happier).
Francesco Cirillo was cutting tomatoes when he got the idea of the Pomodoro Technique on the 80’s.
How would it feel for you if you would feel complete at the end of every day?
First of all (this is my preparation advice):
Plan your months, weeks and days (read here how to do it and download the free daily planner).
Splitting your time in chunks keep you on your happy tracks.
Clarify the outcome what you want and need to do.
What would make you feel complete with the task?
What is the tiny little thing that you need and want to get done?
Minimize all the distractions: email, phone, social media accounts - everything that could distract you.
Then we are getting into the traditional Pomodoro method:
Set the timer for 25 minutes.
Start working - you only have to work for 25 minutes, so it’s not a big deal right?
When the alarm peeps, take a 5-10 minute break.
Repeat for four times (100 minutes) and then take a longer 20-minute break (great time for meditation, just taking it easy, get some fresh air and empty your mind).
Why it works?
1) You set a clear intention for what you want to achieve.
2) You minimize all the distractions and focus 100% and you will get more done in 20 minutes than in hours.
3) You allow yourself to work in small time junks, which is so much easier than climbing to the huge mountain at once and feel overwhelm by it!
4) Small steps - fantastic accomplishments and you will feel complete, satisfied and rewarded after you are done.
Don’t go to social media during the breaks if you don’t really have to. You only get distracted and overwhelmed or end up in a social media rabbit hole and suddenly two hours is gone. Or you start comparing yourself to others and self-doubt takes over. So say brave no for social media!
As Francesco's brilliant idea proves: the best ideas always come when you least expect them! No pushing, no struggling - but with life with ease attitude!
Hope you enjoyed this!
Let me know in the comments below in what ways were you able to boost your productivity or what is the biggest block for you.
With love,
Jenni