Do you have trouble with procrastination and getting started on your tasks? Do you struggle with all the feelings of “oh I don’t have time right now”, “I’m just too tired maybe next time”, or “that looks too overwhelming I’ll never get it done!”.

How do we make it easier on ourselves to just get started and take action now?

There are many ways, some may work for you, some may not. It all depends on the situation and how much self-discipline we have. In this series, I’ll be showing you different methods of procrastination busters to help you get started and start taking action now.

We procrastinate because of the feeling associated with starting a task. But most times as soon as we start, we think to ourselves, “well that wasn’t that bad after all”. Our minds tend to make the task seem worse than it actually is.

So how can we trick our minds to stop procrastinating and just get started now? By setting a time limit and starting small. Whenever we time ourselves our mind thinks “ah only 10 minutes, sure I can do that”. Instead of thinking “I have to write an ENTIRE essay” which isn’t easily measurable so it becomes way too hard and we just give up before we even begin.

Being more productive is great for making yourself feel better. When you get more things done it results in a happier you. I have been on a journey to be more productive and along the way, I’ve discovered and utilized this popular technique to help me. At first, I was skeptical because it seemed so easy, but it truly works! Just try it out for yourself the next time you are feeling unproductive.

The Pomodoro Technique

One of the most popular ways to boost your productivity is by using the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique that was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.  The process involves deciding on the task that is to be done, using a timer to set a short work time period (usually 25-30 minutes in length), then working on the task until the timer or bell rings.

If you have trouble getting started on tasks, the Pomodoro technique will help. This method really helps you to focus and get started without dread. It’s such a simple and easy method to implement and it really tricks your mind into thinking that it really can be done. And by blocking out distractions and really focusing on the one task at hand you really get so much more done in less time.

Here’s how it works:

This simple time-management technique involves the use of a Pomodoro kitchen timer to focus on work tasks. You can also use an app on your phone – there are tons you can find! My favorite is called BeFocused.

  • First, set the timer for 25 minutes and spend that time working without stops or interruptions. If a thought or distraction pops up, ignore it or have a list where you can write it down and come back to later.
  • When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break away from your work.
  • After four “Pomodoro sessions,” you take a longer break of up to 30 minutes before continuing with the process.
    • When you do four sessions, you’ve put in between 100-120 minutes of work, which enables you to take a longer 15- to 30-minute break. By giving you a “reward” of sorts when you have completed work, you’ll be more focused on the tasks you need to complete and be able to keep up your motivation because you won’t be working non-stop throughout your tasks.

Tips for a Successful Pomodoro Session

  • Make sure no one or nothing can distract you. Make sure your family or friends know you are working and need not be distracted unless it’s an emergency. Turn off all notifications before starting your timer by putting it on airplane mode.
  • Make sure you know exactly what you will be working on. You can’t be productive unless you know exactly what you’re working on and what your end goal is. If you don’t know either, you’re doing busy work, not productive work.
  • While the timer is ticking, you should focus on your list of tasks without any interruptions.
  • There are other ways to utilize the Pomodoro technique to your advantage, including:
    • using a worksheet to track how much work you complete during each session,
    • and to track notes and ideas for things you need to do after your Pomodoro session so that you aren’t interrupted while the clock is ticking.

How Can I Make it Work Better For Me?

  • 25 minutes is the basic rule, but you don’t have to stick to it.
    • If you think it’s too short and that you’ll lose your flow too quickly, try 45 minutes instead.
    • If you think it’s too long and makes you overwhelmed, try just 10 minutes.

Why Does The Pomodoro Technique Work?

  • It helps you get started by setting easy short bursts of work for you to get to start
  • It keeps you focused by blocking out distractions
  • It rewards you with little breaks every few sessions
  • It pushes you to try to complete a task within those 25 minutes
  • At the end of each session you will walk away knowing you were productive and using your time well

By using the Pomodoro Technique, you can definitely increase your productivity by getting more things done in less time! Being focused in short bursts of time is helpful.  It’s motivating to try and finish the task you’re working on in that short period.

Convenient Tools To Implement This Technique

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