Are you having a problem getting your engine revved up for the New Year? I hear ‘ya. I’m an expert at procrastination myself. I can find any number of things to do (dust the wall, clean the fridge, slop the pigs). Anything but what is waiting for me on my desk. I know I should go work on that pile over there, but sometimes it’s really tough to do that. Then I came across this little technique that is actually working for me and I’m going to introduce you to it in this post.
PART ONE – THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE
Perhaps you have already heard of this? It is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillos in the 1980’s. He used a timer to break down work periods into 25 minute segments, separating each by a short break. The intervals are known as “pomododri”, the plural of the Italian word pomodoro or “tomato”. So, do you feel smarter for knowing that? Ya, me neither. But this method is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility. http://pomodorotechnique.com/
Oh, almost forgot the most important part. The timer Mr. Cirillos used was shaped like a tomato. Sigh. Although very interesting and rather unusual, I doubt that this fact will improve your success rate. Still, food for thought.
There are five simple steps to implementing the technique. They are basic and low tech. Anybody can use this method.
- Decide on the task to be done
- Set the pomodoro timer to 25 minutes (or any amount you desire)
- Work on the task until the timer rings
- Take a short break (3–5 minutes)
- After four pomodori, take a longer break (15–30 minutes). This is exceptionally good for focus and can improve your concentration and attention span.
THAT BEING SAID, THERE’S A SECOND SIDE TO THIS
Yes, I hate it when I procrastinate, but in this New Year I have to take a hard look at myself. I’ve already proven to myself that I can do all kinds of things and be productive in a ton of ways.
For me, being more productive is seductive, but if I’m honest with myself what I really need is to schedule more REST times. Are you, too, the kind of person that works on and on without a break? Do you feel guilty if you’re not working?
It can become an obsession – and is that good for us, really, in the long run?
We like the idea of being busy because we sound important, but that’s not really getting us anywhere because we rarely stop to ask why we’re rushing through all this work to begin with
It should be about doing the right amount of work in less time so we have the time for all the nothing we want to do.
quote “Lifehacker.com”
Let’s see a show of hands. How many of you would feel guilty if you have down time to do absolutely nothing, and you don’t use it for something?
I can’t speak for you, but at the beginning of this New Year I’m taking a look at possible changes in my life. What is fun and what’s not. What should definitely stay and what could go. Is anyone doing the same? Is this the year for changes, or just thinking about changes? Time will tell. No tomato timer needed.
If you already have your engine zooming up-to-speed, you could join the 30-day Painting Challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta during the entire month of January. One painting a day for 30 days. Go for it you over-achievers!
You’ll find it at: http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/
Welcome to 2015 and thank you starting it out by reading this blog.
Kathie xo
Wise advice!
After a baffling 2014 Spring I plan to take more ME time enjoying ‘lake life’, art, needlework and friends. Narrowing the field of each to the ones I enjoy most. And setting a few new art goals to expand my skills.
This is a good way to handle it, Linda. I may follow suit!
Wise advice – worth a try. Do you think this ‘tomato time out’ method would work for seminars/classes?
And you have a sly way of inserting humor – tomato-shaped timer………food for thought……….very funny!
only you would catch that, Clare.
Great technique and I will try! I can always use advice for time management eventho my life is really very simple compared to your busy one. The biggest problem I have is getting sidetrack instead of sticking to the task at hand. The timer should help with that! Thanks for sharing!!
Well, dear Kathie, I am exactly the same as you. I tend to feel ‘guilty’ if I am not working on something and accomplishing something. This is made worse when I think about my age and ‘running out of time’. Then, about every New Year, I think that I should try to tone that down and relax more as less stress is healthier. Oh, to find the right balance!!! I do enjoy your blogs! Thanks!
We are made of the same mould, Jeanne. We must good to ourselves this year! And no guilt involved.
I actually take many breaks, sitting down in front of the TV and watching recorded favorites. My problem is I take too long and feel guilty about it. Love the 25 minute routine. I’m going to try it! Thanks so much for the gift of your blog, Kathie. I love your writing and paintings!
Karen, I can’t believe you have time to comment on my blog when you’re doing the 30-day painting challenge! Wow. You are my hero.
When I was raised, i was taught you can not play until your work is done. Your home perfect, everything done. To me painting is fun. You see the problem? My students that are my age were taught the same thing. You can organize your painting stuff but not use it.
hahaha! This is SO true! Your last statement says it all.
Great reminder, Kathie. I try to take a break but get up from painting, get a drink of water (no wine or sugary drink) and stretch. Then, I’m ready to get back to painting or another longer task. Happy New Year of painting fun in 2015! I like the 25 minute break!
Well, I am afraid that Marilyn has left my response for me. I, too, am a victim of the ‘tasks first, play later’ era and have allowed it to usurp my painting time. It is a new year and I can try to change … starting tomorrow when the house is clean!!!!!
I really appreciate all the info and help you offer. I am always amazed how you do this on a weekly basis. Can’t see how you can do more. Blessings to you in 2015.
A great website for getting organized is w.flylady.com. she breaks tasks into 15 min hot spots,giving up perfection and not stressing. You can do anything for 15 minutes except whine! More time for batiks!
I’m not that brave…25 minutes is a LOT for me…so to keep myself motivated and keep to my promise, I do ten minutes of straightening out my studio a day…so far so good.
HAPPY GOOD PAINTING NEW YEAR!
Thank you for your encouragement. Looking forward to a wonderful new year with you. As always, you have a wonderful spirit of sharing which makes me smile. 🙂
I decided to take Mondays for me…. And my husband. We started doing Tai Chi in the library of our small town and I feel very happy!
Thanks so much Kathie for your ideas, happy 2015 to all!
One of my first tasks was to choose batik pattern that I had gotten from you and begin painting
Kathie, I am missing your Tuesday morning tips…have you discontinued them?….all of us Louisiana girls looked forward to them and learned so much. we still appreciate all you have taught through your tips and just miss your humor.
I hope your year is starting out well and many happy batiking to you