One of the problems with technology and multi-tasking is that it can drastically affect productivity. It’s common for a lot of people to stop working on a project just to take a few minutes to check out Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube. A few minutes is okay but it’s so easy to turn those “a couple of minutes” to “half an hour”. I’ve had problems with this myself and I was only recently able to get over it using a time management and productivity system called the Pomodoro Technique. It’s a simple way to keep yourself focused on important work but also you get to reward yourself with measured minutes of leisure time in between work time. What I love about this system is that there are applications available for PC/Macs that will help you monitor your progress like the Focus Booster app (Mac OS or Windows).
Here’s a quick definition of the Pomodoro Technique which is shown in the Focus Booster website:
The Pomodoro TechniqueThe Pomodoro Technique is a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980′s. It can be used for any kind of task and enables you to view time as a valuable ally in accomplishing what you want to do.
The technique uses a timer to break down periods of work into 25-minute intervals (referred to as “pomodoros”) separated by breaks and is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility.
There are five basic steps to implementing the technique:
- decide on the task to be done
- set the pomodoro (timer) to 25 minutes
- work on the task until the timer rings; record the task status
- take a short break (5 minutes)
- every four “pomodoros” take a longer break (15-20 minutes)
Like what I said, it’s a very simple and effective way to manage time and daily productivity. The Focus Booster application helps you do the system by providing you with a digital timer for the pomdoro and rest periods. For the Mac version it just floats on top of the screen.
The Focus Booster App is currently free so just get it from their website.
Glad you mentioned it. I’ve been using the Pomodoro technique and it sure is effective to boost productivity!
Oh, btw, instead of the software (ie. Focus Booster app), I use iPhone’s built in timer app. Works perfectly.
I’m going to try this one out! Thanks for sharing the info.
Will try this out Carlo, thanks!
how long can you last at it?
one good tool for boosting productivity? a plugin or program that blocks all those time wasting sites like facebook, twitter etc, even the news, block your email too if you can. so you stop going back and forth wasting time and have to actually work since theres nothing else left to do
Haha try the Freedom app. I used it for a couple of days but I would go crazy if I couldn’t check Facebook or Twitter. That’s why the Pomodoro works for me. Gives me little doses of distraction to keep me sane.