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:

1. Deciding on the task to be done.
2. Setting the Pomodoro timer (typically for 25 minutes).
3. Working on the task.
4. Ending work when the timer rings and taking a short break (typically 5–10 minutes).
5. Going back to Step 2 and repeating until one completes four pomodori.
6. 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?