I can’t see how 25 minutes would work. I like to set a goal, such as “file these 43 PDF’s” or “write 500 words” or “work until 10 AM” and then just go until I hit the mark. Then I take a break, come back and set a new tiny goal.
Haha it just makes me laugh how different people can feel so differently about the same thing.
I find it to be helpful in maintaining my focus. Itherwise I'm tempted to just reach for my phone or the next distraction. But your article did give me something to think about when it comes to longer focus periods.
Oh and there's also something called the flowtime method which is basically a custom Pomodoro technique where you get to decide the duration of focus and breaks. You might find that to be a better fot for you.
Thanks Haider. Interesting to read your perspective on this, and really pleased it works for you!
I think structure and timeboxes work really well, but for me I just can't properly get into learning a new skill or doing something complex that I've never done before in a short 25 min block.
Flowtime works well if you have a whole day spare and you need to segment it.
But again, that's rarely my reality.
Instead I have to plan my work around various blocks already existing in the day (meetings, picking up children, etc), so if I have one hour spare before a call, then I will pick a task to focus on in that hour, working up to the hour and when the hour is done, I will have gone as far as I can with that task.
I may need more hours on that task, but I aim to fill out the gaps as efficiently as I can.
I am for this technique in the broader sense.I agree that you can't fix a time and repeat it .Instead fix a suitable time for an activity which could vary from one to another..eg I use ,20 min slot for meditation and if I do not have this time at least 10 .I actually use a timer .
On the other side totally probably out of context for this discussion I have started random switching between or jumping to activities to make sure I am in the present and don't engage myself in unnecessary thoughts ...
TBH I have not seriously experimented with the pomodoro method which I think I should and probably come back to you !
I also use a timer for meditation only. But not for other things.
Interestingly, I use timers on my children all the time! It’s the element of competition that gets them motivated to get through things like bath time!
I can’t see how 25 minutes would work. I like to set a goal, such as “file these 43 PDF’s” or “write 500 words” or “work until 10 AM” and then just go until I hit the mark. Then I take a break, come back and set a new tiny goal.
I like the way you do it Tim. It’s good to be able to switch it up between time-boxing and deadline-boxing!
Hey Selda, the Pomodoro technique is too rigid for me too. I like techniques that are flowing and flexible.
Agree with your take on this.
I guess it works for some who needs more structure or can't commit a longer time.
Thanks Moon. I really like structure, but not for creative thinking or deep problem solving.
Sometimes you just have to give the task the attention it needs (within reason).
That really make sense.
I write without structure, but I edit with structure. This balance works for me.
Your writing is great, so you’re clearly on the right track there!
That's high praise coming from you because you are so accomplished in your writing. Thank you Selda!
Wow thank you! No ones ever said that to me before. I’m blushing ☺️
You definitely deserve it haha. I'm learning a lot from your posts. (Yes slowly reading through them)
Soooo interesting Selda. I actually made a post about how helpful the Pomodoro technique has been for me (https://open.substack.com/pub/haiderali92/p/the-most-effective-low-tech-productivity?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3futud).
Haha it just makes me laugh how different people can feel so differently about the same thing.
I find it to be helpful in maintaining my focus. Itherwise I'm tempted to just reach for my phone or the next distraction. But your article did give me something to think about when it comes to longer focus periods.
Oh and there's also something called the flowtime method which is basically a custom Pomodoro technique where you get to decide the duration of focus and breaks. You might find that to be a better fot for you.
Thanks Haider. Interesting to read your perspective on this, and really pleased it works for you!
I think structure and timeboxes work really well, but for me I just can't properly get into learning a new skill or doing something complex that I've never done before in a short 25 min block.
Flowtime works well if you have a whole day spare and you need to segment it.
But again, that's rarely my reality.
Instead I have to plan my work around various blocks already existing in the day (meetings, picking up children, etc), so if I have one hour spare before a call, then I will pick a task to focus on in that hour, working up to the hour and when the hour is done, I will have gone as far as I can with that task.
I may need more hours on that task, but I aim to fill out the gaps as efficiently as I can.
I am for this technique in the broader sense.I agree that you can't fix a time and repeat it .Instead fix a suitable time for an activity which could vary from one to another..eg I use ,20 min slot for meditation and if I do not have this time at least 10 .I actually use a timer .
On the other side totally probably out of context for this discussion I have started random switching between or jumping to activities to make sure I am in the present and don't engage myself in unnecessary thoughts ...
TBH I have not seriously experimented with the pomodoro method which I think I should and probably come back to you !
Thanks for your perspective Raju.
I also use a timer for meditation only. But not for other things.
Interestingly, I use timers on my children all the time! It’s the element of competition that gets them motivated to get through things like bath time!