You’ll put a lot of time into running a business.
Some days you’re on top of it all — getting things done. There are also days where you’re dragging ass, barely able to find the motivation to get things rolling.
What do you do to stay consistent with hitting deadlines and such? Well…
There have been a few time management strategies we’ve all tried here at Teach To Scale. The one that stuck the most has been the Pomodoro Technique.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management strategy that can help you get more done.
It’s simple to use and can be adapted to fit your own needs.
The Pomodoro Technique is based on the idea of breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. You work on a task for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros (25-minute work periods), you take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
The Pomodoro Technique can be adapted to fit your own needs.
For example: If you find it difficult to stay focused for 25 minutes, try working for 20 minutes instead. Or, if you prefer longer breaks, adjust the timing accordingly.
Using the Pomodoro Technique can help you stay focused and motivated while working on tasks. It can also help you avoid procrastination and keep track of how much time you’re spending on specific tasks.
If you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity and get things done, give the Pomodoro Technique a try. You might be surprised at how well it works.
How to use the Pomodoro Technique
You probably already got the basic idea of how the Pomodoro technique works; but here’s a little breakdown for simplicity’s sake:
- Choose a task that you want to work on.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes (or however long you want to work on the task).
- Work on the task until the timer goes off.
- Take a 5-minute break (or however long you want your break to be).
- Repeat steps 1-4 until the task is complete or until you need to take a longer break.
That’s all there is to it!
The easiest way to keep track of the time is with a simple kitchen timer. Or, use your phone’s timer (usually in the ‘clock’ app). Make sure you’ve got the alarm volume turned up, and that you’re in a headspace that’ll let you zone in — then… give it a go!
Pomodoro apps and tools
There are Pomodoro apps that you can download onto your phone or computer. These apps can make it even easier to use the Pomodoro Technique, as they often come with features like task lists and Pomodoro timers.
Some of the more popular Pomodoro apps and tools include:
You can combine the timer + technique with your other to-do tools and time tracking platforms for even better efficiency! Give it a try, and see which one works best for you. There are plenty of them out there so go for the one that fits your style!
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Tips and tricks to stay focused
The Pomodoro Technique works best when you’re focused. You’ll get more out of it when you have intent. It’s like studying… you’ll retain and get more done when there are goals.
Here are a few insights to help you stay focused when getting work done:
Make a plan and stick to it
When you’re trying to focus on a task, it’s helpful to make a plan and stick to it. This means setting some specific goals for yourself and then working towards them step-by-step. Breaking your work down into smaller tasks can also make it seem less daunting and help you stay on track.
Eliminate distractions
One of the best ways to stay focused is to eliminate distractions. This means turning off your phone, putting away any other electronics, and closing any tabs or applications that might tempt you to procrastinate.
If you need help staying on task, there are also many productivity apps and websites that can block certain sites or limit the amount of time you spend on your phone or computer.
Get in a comfortable position
When you’re trying to focus, it’s important to be in a comfortable position. This means finding a spot where you can sit or stand without being too uncomfortable. You should also make sure that there’s enough light and that your computer screen is at eye level.
Make sure you’re well-rested
If you’re tired, it will be much harder to focus on anything. Make sure you get enough sleep every night so that you’re well-rested and able to concentrate during the day. Napping can also be helpful if you’re feeling fatigued.
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Eat healthy and exercise regularly
Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can also help you stay focused. Eating foods that are high in protein and healthy fats can help to improve your concentration, while exercise has been shown to increase focus and mental clarity.
Use music to improve focus
Listening to music can also help you stay focused on a task. If you choose music without lyrics, it can help to reduce distractions and allow you to concentrate more easily. There are also many tracks available online that are specifically designed to help you improve focus and concentration.
Set realistic goals
If you’re trying to accomplish too much, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and lose focus. It’s important to set realistic goals for yourself and then break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Trying to do too much at once will only lead to frustration and a loss of concentration.
Reward yourself
Giving yourself small rewards as you complete tasks can also help you to stay focused. This could be something as simple as taking a break to grab a coffee or watching a short video once you’ve finished a project. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that you’ll actually enjoy so that you have something to look forward to.
Avoid multitasking
Trying to do too many things at once can lead to a loss of focus and decreased productivity. If possible, it’s best to avoid multitasking and instead focus on one task at a time. This will help you to complete your work more quickly and accurately.
Build toward your success (little by little)
If you want to be successful with the Pomodoro Technique, it’s important to start small and build toward your goals. This means setting a timer for just a few minutes at first and then gradually increasing the amount of time as you get more comfortable with the system.
It’s also important to remember that there will be days when you don’t feel like working or when you can’t focus no matter what you do. On these days, it’s okay to take a break or reduce your Pomodoro session to a shorter time period.
The most important thing is to not get discouraged and to keep trying.
The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to improve productivity and focus. By following these tips, you can make the most of your Pomodoro sessions and get more done.
