I conducted a workshop on Time management and Productivity for a group of enthusiastic young professionals.
At the end of the workshop, I asked participants to pick one technique that they would like to try out in the next few weeks.
A lot of them chose the Pomodoro technique:
- Deciding on the task to be done.
- Setting the Pomodoro timer (typically for 25 minutes).
- Working on the task.
- Ending work when the timer rings and taking a short break (typically 5–10 minutes).
- Going back to Step 2 and repeating until one completes four pomodori.
- After four pomodori are done, one takes a long break (typically 20 to 30 minutes) instead of a short break. Once the long break is finished, one returns to step 2.
- Wikipedia
I use the Clock App on the phone and the laptop for a 25 minutes timer. During these 25 minutes, the phone and laptop are both on “Do not disturb” mode. No notifications, no calls and no distractions. I realised nobody needs my attention for 25 minutes except myself. I take a 5 minute break, drink some water and look out of the window.
A few of them chose Deep Work:
Deep Work = distraction‑free concentration that pushes your cognitive abilities to their limit. It produces high‑value output, builds skill, and is hard to replicate.
- Cal Newport
There are 3 types of distraction – Physical, Digital and Social.
Today, I had to go to the doctor for an appointment. I have to physically be in a different place than my place of work.
- I had to miss a meeting which was in parallel but I caught up later on things I missed
- Valid distraction – health is wealth
Today, I digitally checked my LinkedIn profile to see the engagement on my last article.
- It made me feel good to see people reading my ideas on Transparency in projects
- Discipline to keep the digital distraction to breaks
Today, I am socially having dinner with a friend in a restaurant.
- I am motivated to do deep work during the day and feel like treating myself by the end of the day
- Distraction which brings a smile 🙂
I managed two pomodori in the morning and I will manage another two in the afternoon. This qualifies as deep work for me. I try and finish the work started in each pomodoro.
On days where I have lesser distractions, I manage 4 pomodori once or twice in the course of the day.
What is your time management and productivity trick?