I modified the Pomodoro Technique to work more productively than yesterday
Made it a bit more powerful for a productive day
I Love the Pomodoro Technique, though I modify mine as it takes me a bit more time to sink into a flow.
For me, it's all about 'Time Blocking'. It's kind of like setting appointments with yourself for different tasks. So, you block out specific times on your calendar for specific work. Like, say you've got raw content to make for your software, article, or social media. You'd block out 9-11 am just for that. No emails, no calls, just focus on getting things done.
1. Increase gradually
You’ve heard this a million times, Rome was not built in a single day. It takes time to actually get things done and that’s ok! This has been one of the hardest lessons for a compulsive person like me to learn because I used to try to get everything done in one day.
Today, I am much more honest with myself regarding how much I can actually accomplish in one day. This has significantly reduced my fear and anxiety because I know I don’t have to do everything in one day. I can get things done throughout the week, as long as the deadline isn’t tonight.
2. Use the modified-pomodoro technique
I didn't like the relatively short duration of the focus period in Pomodoro and found that it took me out of a very focused mindset that then took too long to get back into after the 5-minute break.
I use a modified version where I work for 45-50 minutes (depending on how clear-headed I'm feeling that day) and then take a 10-15 minute break (depending on how long I work before so that the full cycle takes 1 hour). So far this has worked pretty well for me!
3. Start early
I have always been a night owl as long as I remember, doing my Batman things in my lap for my startup, and drinking water when am exhausted, but lately, I've been a person who wakes up before sunrise. My productivity is very different from my nights, the atmosphere, after a good sleep energy, focus, etc, and I like that. I guess I have become an early riser now.
I've noticed that I start working immediately after I wake up, partly because at that hour, I'm well rested, my mind is still fresh, the house/neighborhood is still very quiet and there's really nothing else to do.
My Working session is look something like this:
2-hour study(2 pomodoros)|15 minutes break in every 45 minutes of pamodoros and after 2 hours take a 30-minute break do this till you call it a day. Eg:
Work(W)
Break(B)
W: 5:00 am-7:00 am
B: 7:00am-7:30am
W: 7:30am-9:30am
B: 9:30am-10:00am
W: 10:00am-12:00pm
B: 12:00pm-12:30pm
W: 12:30pm-2:30pm
B: 2:30pm-3:00pm
W: 3:00pm-5:00pm
B: The rest day is yours use wisely and sleep before 9:30 pm its a must!
4. Don’t rely on motivation
You simply have to do it everyday. Don't allow yourself to have any excuses and ignore all feelings.
Doing every day is the key. Doesn't matter if you do it for 10 or 20 minutes.
It's not going to be easy. I took 2+ years to finally stick to an exercise routine 5 days a week. I make myself think about the consequences of not doing it. You have to train yourself to banish all excuses and that takes time to train ur brain
5. Long lists of tasks don't work:
In reality, they need to be layered: a long backlog, a reasonable 3-day list, and finally a short list of "needs to be done today". This is a matter of prioritization and focus.
There is also a matter of self-bashing: if you do 7 tasks out of 21, you are a 33%-done loser. If you do 7 tasks out of 10, you are a superb 70%-done powerhouse.
RESOURCES:
Modified Pomodoro Planner 2024 Edition
I use a modified version where I work for 45 minutes (depending on how clear-headed I'm feeling that day) and then take a 10-15 minute break (depending on how long I work before so that the full cycle takes 1 hour). So far this has worked pretty well for me!