
Jolene Roehlkepartain
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:
Choose your project or task.
Remove all distractions (cell phone, internet, TV, people, visual clutter).
Set a timer for 25 minutes.
Work on your project or task until the timer goes off.
Take a break for 5 minutes. (I like to move around.)
Repeat.
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.