A Simple Way To Stay Focused

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I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll kill it one week, then have a period where the only thing I can concentrate on is everything BUT work or my to-do list. Am I alone here?! As my focus started to linger more and more, I started looking for ways to be effective even during my productivity slumps.

I found the Pomodoro technique through some Internet browsing and have since become obsessed with it! Basically it’s a way to get you to focus for short spurts, then you get a break. Yay, breaks! You can play with any time variables you’d like, but I’ve been using the 25-5 method: 25 minutes of zoning in, 5 minutes of whatever you want (breaks are supposed to be free of technology).

During the 25-minute focus time you need to turn off distractions—think email, iMessage, phone upside down—and use that time to get stuff done. (This is super hard at first but you get used to it.) Then, during the 5-minute break you can get a snack, coffee, take a walk and the like.

I’ve been marking off how many sessions I can do in a day and it’s become a little addictive—but in a good way. I actually use this specific planner which isn’t necessary, but it’s nice to have especially for us Type A’s.

This technique isn’t only for work stuff either; use it for chores or basically anything you don’t have the drive for but need to complete.

Tip: 5 minutes is not enough for a true break during the day, so I’m sure to give myself 30+ minutes off during lunch where I can call a friend, eat, shop…

Have you tried this technique? I’ve also heard good things about this productivity system, but it seemed complicated. Would love to hear if you’ve tried either!

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25 comments

  1. I’ve also recently started using Pomodoro and I’m obsessed. Work flies by and I’m productive knowing that I always have a scheduled break soon!

    xx

  2. As freelancer I’m always craving for a more organized routine.
    I’ve heard good responses of this tecnique before. I’ve tried to stick to a concentrate/ break schedule. But I haven’t meassure time. I think I should try it too.
    Thanks for sharing your experience!

    https://barbarianme.tumblr.com/

  3. Just the kind of post I needed to read! Working from home (self-employed) and being a personality that is VERY easily distracted, I’ve been wishing myself more time to focus on my to do’s. I’ve actually been feeling envious of people stuck in a office all day. Pomodoro here I come!

  4. I love this system. My company actually promotes it, we call them sprints and they 45 minutes with a 15 minute “break” after each sprint. It has made me way more productive, but I never thought to use it for my personal life. I could use this during my blogging time for sure. I am so easily distracted especially where social media is concerned.

    xoxo, Saprina
    http://www.SaprinaD.Com

  5. I use the Bullet Journal system, but not for staying focused but planning my entire life, basically. It’s great and very versatile! But it gets a bit too much when you start decorating and such… But I think this method you’re suggesting here could help me say focused too, I will make sure to try it out!

  6. It has a name!! Only yesterday I made a post titled ‘How To Be More Productive & Stress Less’ and explained how well the ‘Pomodoro technique’ works for me. Yes that is me using its real name because I now know what it’s called hahaha. Thanks so much for the insight – great post!
    Bonnie xxx

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