22 | HH Pomodoro Technique

Have you ever realized, nearing the end of a work day, that you didn't get done nearly as much as you set out to do?? 

As someone who highly values efficiency and productivity, experience makes me feel bad. Burnt out bad. Sometimes I feel like I'm just not a highly productive person or that I expect too much of myself and I need to lower the bar, which can feel bad too. 

Still, I wasn't ready to accept those thoughts.

When a friend of mine suggested we try a productivity technique, I was both intrigued and excited. It turned out fantastically within the first few hours! I'd like to share that technique with you, so that you might be able to experience the same great productive feelings. 

The Pomodoro Technique 

The main problem we have when we are trying to get so many things done, is that we go for too many things all at once. Switching between tasks and projects takes up so much more precious time than we realize and causes us to have that "It's already 5:00!!" feeling.  

The Pomodoro Technique helps you get your To Do List done, without wasting time switching between tasks AND giving your mind more mental breaks than you might normal allow yourself to have. 

Step One

Write down your priorities for the work day.

I try to keep my priorities one to two words long and I cut myself off at six total priorities for the day. You can always add more if you get done! 

My favorite priority to write down (it's always the first on my list) is emails. I take 45 minutes every single day to make sure I am caught up on emails. Reading, writing, forwarding, attaching, and all the seemingly minute tasks that actually take up so much time. 

Step Two

Choose ONE priority and set a timer.

The traditional timing for a Pomodoro (or period of time) is 25 minutes. I like 45 minutes, others use 30-35 minutes, but you'll have to find out what you like through trial and error.

For your chosen amount of time, work on that one priority and nothing else. If you think of other tasks or topics you need to address, write them down and continue on with your one priority. You will have the opportunity to get to them later.

Step Three

After the timer goes off, set another timer for 5 minutes. 

Do no work for the full amount of time. You could go to the bathroom, take a quick walk, stretch, meditate, etc. Just do zero work for the full 5 minutes to give your brain a rest. 

When the timer goes off, set another timer for your working time again and off you go! If you finished the first priority, move to the next, or, continue with your last one until it's finished. 

Step Four

After 4 periods (or Pomodoros) take a 15-30 minute break to allow your brain a longer rest. Do no work during this time. After this longer break ends, start your timer for work again.

 

And there you have it! 

These easy steps make your To Do List basically disappear as the day goes on instead of starting to haunt you by lunch time. 

You might have to make adjustments for meetings and other such necessary interactions. If you can get your coworkers on board too, meetings and such will be less of an issue and everyone will be more productive! 

One of my favorite aspects of the Pomodoro Technique is that I don't need to feel pressure of getting everything done all at once, because I know I have scheduled time for each task throughout the day. I can dedicate the proper amount of time and attention to each task and project without the heavy weight and pressure that normally goes along with it. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Happy Pomodoroing!