Making Progress, Marking Progress

How do you make sure you get things done? I recently discovered the Pomodoro Technique, and it helps me break down my always-too-long-to-do list into manageable chunks.

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose your project or task.

2. Remove all distractions (cell phone, internet, TV, people, visual clutter).

3. Set a timer for 25 minutes.

4. Work on your project or task until the timer goes off.

5. Take a break for 5 minutes. (I like to move around.)

6. Repeat.

7. After four cycles, take a longer break for 20 or 30 minutes.

What I especially love about this technique is that 25 minutes of focus feels more doable than a longer period of time. (I also admire the Deep Work ethic that advocates for 3 hours of deep work, but if you’re not used to focusing for that long of a time, the Pomodoro Technique is a better way to start.)

So…what will you do for the next 25 minutes?

Ready? Set?

Focus.