Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work in front of you? Do you struggle to stay focused during your workday? Do you often feel like the day passes you by without you getting enough done?
Staying focused and increasing productivity are common coaching topics I work on with my clients. One of my engineer/mother clients works from home and finds herself constantly pulled into her personal life during her workday. Her days fly by, and she has a hard time getting her work done, especially large projects that require a lot of thought.
Does this sound like you? Do you want to get more accomplished?
At a recent session with a mindfulness expert, I learned about the Pomodoro Technique and can’t wait to share it with you. It’s a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo that was inspired by the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used during university.
🍅 Here’s how the Pomodoro Technique works:
1️⃣ Select a task you want to work on
2️⃣ Set a timer for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro)
3️⃣ Focus solely on the task until the timer rings (turn off all distracting notifications)
4️⃣ Take a 5-minute break to recharge: stretch, meditate, make a coffee, journal, text a friend, cuddle a pet etc.
5️⃣ Repeat
6️⃣ After four Pomodoros 🍅🍅🍅🍅, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
I’ve implemented this technique in my coaching business. It’s amazing to see my progress when I spend 25-minute blocks concentrating on one task at a time. Multitasking kills productivity ⚠️
What can the Pomodoro Technique do for you?
🧠 Enhanced focus and concentration: by committing to 25 minutes of uninterrupted work, you train your brain to concentrate on the task at hand. This period of intense focus, coupled with regular breaks, helps prevent mental fatigue, keeping your productivity high throughout the day.
⏰ Improved time management: develop a better relationship with time by breaking tasks down into manageable chunks. This method helps you estimate how long different activities take. Over time, you will become more adept at planning and allocating time effectively for various tasks.
⏩ Reduced procrastination: by breaking work into 25-minute segments, even the most daunting tasks seem more manageable. Knowing that you only have to work on something for a short, fixed period can motivate you to get started and maintain momentum.
✅ Increased accountability: using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which can drive you to complete tasks more efficiently. Additionally, keeping track of how many Pomodoros you’ve completed provides a clear record of your productivity, helping you stay accountable to your goals.
⚖️ Better work-life balance: regular breaks are an integral part of the Pomodoro Technique, promoting a healthier work-life balance. These breaks not only help you recharge but also encourage you to move around, reducing the physical strain associated with prolonged periods of sitting.
🔀 Adaptability: whether you’re studying, writing, coding, or tackling household chores, the method can be tailored to fit your specific needs and workflow.
Are you ready to try out the Pomodoro Technique to get more done in your personal and professional life? Let me know how it goes. I’m here cheering you on.
Looking to grow your confidence this summer? Contact me to learn about my 6-Week Summer Confidence Bootcamp 😎 designed exclusively for women in tech: coaching@annagradie.com
Lots of love,
-Anna
