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  • Let's face it:

  • It's not always easy to get things done on time. I don't know about you

  • but I often postponed tasks for two reasons:

  • either because they were boring, like tackling a mailbox

  • overflowing with emails or because they seemed

  • to be too big of a task. For example writing a book or producing a video.

  • Of course like most professionals we get these things done.

  • Eventually at least. However, it's only with a lot of effort,

  • often right before a deadline and sometimes too late.

  • Things drastically changed when I discovered the Pomodoro Technique

  • It's a very simple but incredibly effective productivity

  • and time management technique.

  • It helps me to get things done efficiently and on time,

  • Both the boring at the creative but overwhelming tasks.

  • This method was invented by an Italian student

  • called Francesco Cirillo. He found an effective way to keep himself

  • motivated when studying. He did this by breaking a task down into smaller,

  • more manageable chunks and taking frequent but short breaks.

  • Let me show you how it's done. Step 1:

  • Get a timer. Cirillo used one that looked like this:

  • a tomato. Or to say it in Italian: un pomodoro.

  • That explains the name of this anti-procrastination technique.

  • But of course you can use any timer you like.

  • Personally I prefer to use an app on my iPad or

  • cell phone. There are a couple of free ones out there. Step 2:

  • set the timer to 25 minutes this will be your work time.

  • We'll call it a "pomodoro". During this time you should concentrate on your task.

  • Make a commitment to avoid any interruptions during this time.

  • Under normal circumstances this is pretty easy to do.

  • After all it's only 25 minutes. If a coworker or a family member

  • interrupts you, tell them that you will be with them right after your work period is over.

  • If the interruption is absolutely necessary

  • you need to start a new "pomodoro" afterwards. Step 3:

  • After the timer rings,

  • take a five-minute break. if you need to finish a particular task, it's okay to

  • go over the allotted time for a little while.

  • But do take the five minute break. It's an essential component of the method.

  • After you break is over, start another 25 minutes work period,

  • another "pomodoro". Step 4:

  • Tally your work periods to have a visual reminder of what you've achieved.

  • For example, by making check marks on a piece of paper.

  • This will also help you plan future work periods. Step 5:

  • After your "4th pomodoro", take a longer pause of 15 to 30 minutes.

  • Kick back and relax, then start again.

  • What I like most about the pomodoro technique is

  • and it's so simple and unpretentious, I don't use it for every type of task

  • but when I notice that there is something pressing that I need to do

  • and I just can't get started

  • I now know that there is a way out: the Pomodoro.

  • That little tomato will probably work brilliantly for you too

  • Just give it a try. If it works for you

  • share this information with your friends and colleagues. And if it doesn't

  • you can always use it as a kitchen timer.

Let's face it:

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