In England there’s the phrase “they have the attention span of a Gnat”. Gnats are tiny little flying insects that appear to flit around without purpose from one place to the next. I’ve certainly “fallen” into this category. As a creative unique soul I can easily jump from one idea to the next (if not juggle and play with several all at the same time!). For years I would struggle with sustaining attention and focus. Only to be left with a deep sense of dissatisfaction with uncompleted tasks, frustrated with growing to do lists, disappointment with missed deadlines and an all consuming feeling of being overwhelmed and trapped.
The Pomodoro Time Management technique has helped me immensely. I’m certainly not “cured” of my over active mind, however having a timer, a plan and a practice has helped me to foster a more disciplined approach to my work and necessary tasks, allowing me to feel more calm, accomplished and happier at the end of most days!
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks
This is how it works
set a timer for 25 minutes and do focused work (= 1 Pomodoro)
take 5 minutes off
repeat steps 1 & 2, 4 times (= 4 Pomodoros)
take a longer break (at least 30 minutes)
repeat steps 1-4 with an intent to achieve for “sets” a day (a total of 16 Pomodoros)
You can get a physical timer, like the kitchen tomato “Pomodoro” timer (how this technique got its name). Or these days there are many apps to help you keep track and achieve success. I like the “Focus Keeper”. It provides a red screen with a count down for 25 minutes (you can choose if you want the timer ticking sound while you work, or not!) then a “Ping” sound alerts you to “step away from the task” and do something for 5 minutes (the screen provides a blue screen for these 5 minutes)
The 25 minute focused Pomodoro are aimed to be that.. FOCUSED. I keep to one task and force myself to not answer the phone, text, go on facebook, visit the fridge, even drink water or go to the bathroom! (all of these are achieved during the 5 minute breaks!). When I make it through the 4 Pomodoros ( 2 hours with 4 sessions of 25 minute focused tasks) the DELIGHT of then having an extended break is much appreciated (I walk the dog, take a class, go for a run, eat lunch, jump in the sauna or the pool, even watch a Hulu episode!)
The practice disciplines me to sustain attention, helps me accomplish more, feel more satisfied by the end of day.
At the beginning of the day I will list the tasks I need to accomplish and sometimes I’ll plan out the order. I do my best to alternate tasks and not always start with the same.
Here’s some examples of categories:
tidying/clearing
facebook
quickbooks
newsletter
emails
telephone calls
In Nia technique we have a phrase “Sacred Athlete” and she certainly comes out when I’m “on” with the program. I’ll compete with myself for how much can be achieved in 25 minutes, feel my attention muscle strengthening through sheer determination and enjoy seeing my improvement from dedicated regular practice.
