With the constant distractions of beeps, pings and dings from our various devices, actually getting work done can be a constant battle. I used to struggle with the desperate need to focus and not being able to actually focus because of the constant barrage of email and social notifications. Until I came across an article about the pomodoro method. It’s literally changed my life and made me so much more productive, so I’m sharing it with you.

It’s a fairly straightforward method of turning everything off or silent for periods of 25 minutes at a time and focusing on a singular task or tasks on your to-do list, and knocking them out, and then taking a five minute break to check email, get a drink of water, stretch, or answer a text. And then right back to it. Do this for four or five blocks of 25 minutes, and then take a longer break to clear your mind and take a longer break.

The method was conceptualized by Francesco Cirillo in the ’80s and is a tried and true way to get the most out of your time by essentially promising yourself that nothing other than your tasks are going to distract you for the next 25 minutes. Simply set a timer for 25 minutes on your phone, silence notifications, and get to it. It does take a little discipline when you first start out, but once you realize the benefits of the method, you’ll never go back.

Give it a shot.You’ll be glad you did!


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