How To Stay Focused With Focus Sessions-Pomodoro Technique!
I don't know about you, but sometimes it can be hard to focus, especially if we have been busy. I have an online business and an offline business; I must admit that I'm fairly focused with my offline business. However, I do find when I work online, there can be potentially more distractions if I am not careful! It's great that we can make money online, but there can be many distractions when we are in front of a computer!
Recently, I asked a question to the community; What do you use to schedule your tasks throughout the week? I received some interesting and helpful answers. You can see the question below.
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/getting-started/what-do-you-used-to-schedule-your-tasks-throughout-t...
For my offline business, I schedule my work into my Google calendar which is also on my smartphone. This seems to work really well as I can use text messaging, WhatsApp and email from my computer, which is how many people communicate with me.
However, for my online business, the scheduling doesn't seem quite so streamlined. For many years, I have had a folder in my documents where I just create a to-do list in a Word document. This has worked, but I would prefer something a bit more streamlined.
One of the members who responded to my question was Jenni; she suggested that I used Google Todolist, where I can also use tasks. The great thing about tasks is that you can mark your tasks as completed, which may sound simple, but it's also quite rewarding!
I know we can have a notepad or a piece of paper on our desks, but personally, I like to have a tidy desk as I seem to work more effectively. On my desktop computer, I have three monitors, it's absolutely brilliant for carrying out work more efficiently. It may sound like overkill, but I find it leads to much more efficiency.
Tasks can be found on the right-hand side of your Google calendar on a PC and scheduled for a date and time.
Richard also helped to answer my question, which is really helpful. Richard mentioned the "Pomodoro" technique, which I must admit, I hadn't heard of! I had to look it up on Google to find out what it meant.
I have just put the question into ChatGPT, which explains the Pomodoro technique very well.
"The Pomodoro Technique is a time management and productivity method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It's designed to help people improve their focus, concentration, and productivity by breaking their work into short, structured intervals with regular breaks. The technique gets its name from the Italian word for "tomato" because Cirillo initially used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer as a personal timer while he was a university student.
Here's how the Pomodoro Technique works:
1. Choose a Task: First, decide on the task you want to work on. It could be anything from studying, writing, coding, or any work-related task.
2. Set a Timer: Set a timer for a fixed period, traditionally 25 minutes, which is called a "Pomodoro." During this time, you commit to working on the task with your full attention and avoiding any distractions.
3. Work: Work on your chosen task with complete focus until the timer goes off. Try to make progress and avoid switching to other tasks or getting distracted by email, social media, or other interruptions.
4. Take a Short Break: When the timer rings, take a short break of around 5 minutes. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or do something relaxing. It's essential to step away from your work briefly.
5. Repeat: After the short break, start another Pomodoro session by setting the timer for 25 minutes and working on your task. Repeat this process.
6. Longer Breaks: After completing four Pomodoro sessions (four cycles of 25 minutes each), take a more extended break of around 15-30 minutes. Use this time to recharge, eat a snack, or do something enjoyable.
7. Continue as Needed: You can repeat the Pomodoro cycles as many times as you want or until you finish your task. The technique helps you maintain focus and productivity while preventing burnout.
The Pomodoro Technique is effective because it leverages the principles of time management, task prioritization, and regular breaks to enhance your productivity. It helps you work in short, manageable chunks, which can make tasks feel less overwhelming and more achievable. Additionally, it encourages self-awareness and tracking of your work, which can help you identify patterns of productivity and areas for improvement.
Many people find the Pomodoro Technique to be a valuable tool for managing their time, reducing procrastination, and increasing productivity. However, it may not work equally well for everyone, so it's essential to experiment and adapt it to your specific needs and work style.
Focus Sessions
I discovered that there is something called "Focus Sessions" on my PC, I guess Apple may have something similar. I must admit that I am finding the "Focus Sessions" really useful, and it helps to keep me focused. I would often set a timer on my phone to give myself a given time to carry out a task! However, it's much better to have everything on your PC.
The Focus Sessions can be adjusted accordingly, but the recommended focus session is 25 minutes. I guess that this may vary from person to person. Focus Sessions can be adjusted from between 10 minutes and 240 minutes. Personally, I like to give myself enough time to complete a task, unless it's an extra large task.
"Focus Sessions", suggests that you move away from your computer and do something completely different for five minutes. I will often carry out tasks that take over an hour, however, I will then step away from the computer and do something totally different. Like a few push-ups, putting the kettle on, talking to the wife, but just do something totally different!
I have created some training below to demonstrate the "Focus Sessions".
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/how-to-stay-focused-with-focus-sessions-pomodoro-technique
Perhaps you could let me know your thoughts and let me know how you keep your focus when you're in front of a PC. I could go on a lot more, but I will stop here!
Thank you for reading.
Roy
Recent Comments
98
I have tried the pomodoro technique and I know the science behind it, but it doesn’t suit me. I like going for large chunks of time. I don’t easily get distracted and 3 hours for me can go like 20 minutes when I’m zoned in. But I know it works for a lot of people and more power to them. But I do reward myself with breaks and a walk or something to get away after “ chunking” it out.
Steve
Hello Stephen,
It's good to hear from you.
I fully understand where you are coming from; different ways suit different people! If I was writing a blog post, I would prefer to keep going rather than stopping as I don't want to stop halfway through my flow! So, I don't always stick to the 25 minutes!
I do know where you're coming from, Steve, I find it absolutely incredible how quickly time goes in front of the screen! It does make a lot of sense in what you are saying. I believe for all of us we need to take a step back for a few minutes every now and then and then get back to where we are going.
Have a great day.
Roy
Hi Roy,
I missed your question but was happy that you shared a blog post to share what you learned.
The Pomodoro Technique is a gem!
It is how I work actually - using blocks of time for a specific task and blocking everything else out.
In my experience, the key driver is discipline.
You must resist the temptation to:
- check your cell phone (I suggest putting it on silent), and,
- have unnecessary tabs open on your computer/laptop (only open what you need for your immediate task).
Try to work against the clock (this creates eustress and could actually make working fun).
An excellent share!
Thank you.
Cassi
Hello Cassi,
Thank you for taking the time to comment, it's appreciated.
That's interesting that you use the Pomodoro Technique, Cassi, I hadn't heard of it until a few weeks ago! I like the idea of using blocks of time and being totally focused.
I agree, it's almost like accountability and discipline!
Indeed, I normally try and have my phone on silent, and avoid any other things that are going to distract me.
I like the idea of working against the clock and almost trying to beat the clock! I had to look up the word eustress, that sounds like a good type of stress to have!
Have a great day.
Roy
Eustress is a must or else we will lack motivation, Roy.
It is positive stress. 🙂
I hope that your day is going well.
Cassi
Hi there, Roy.
Thank you for sharing this meaningful, thought-provoking post related to Focus Sessions and the Pomodoro Technique. Although I am familiar with the Pomodoro Technique, as I created a training on it (https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/the-pomodoro-technique-the-secret-sauce-of-time-management), I am not familiar with Focus Sessions.
I have found that the Pomodoro Technique helps me to stay focused and on task, as it forces me to take regular breaks. It also prevents me from getting too bogged down with one task. I thought the Focus Sessions idea was a great addition – thank you for bringing this up!
I’d love to hear your thoughts about how the combination of these two techniques can help us become more productive and effective. What are your thoughts on how to make the most of a Focus Session? Do you think setting specific goals/tasks for each session would be beneficial? Do you have any advice or tips about how to maximize these sessions?
I look forward to hearing your insights and experiences!
Thank you.
Rachele
Good morning, Rachele,
Thank you for responding to my blog post, it's appreciated.
Slavka just mentioned that you had created a post or some training on the subject, I must admit that I hadn't seen it! I was going to carry out a search, but you have kindly given me the link!
I agree, Rachele, I find the Pomodoro technique very helpful indeed, it helps to keep me focused and not looking at something else! We have to be strict with ourselves and make the most of our given time!
I guess a lot of research has gone into the Pomodoro technique, so I'm guessing that there is something to be said about the 25-minute work time period.
I would often use a timer on my phone, but it's much better to use something on my PC. It also adds up your daily work rate, which is another good thing. I'm surprised it doesn't keep the totals. It would be nice to be able to check out how many hours of work we had achieved in a week or a month, or even a year. Maybe it's something that Microsoft will add in the future.
I set up a focus session for every job that I do on my PC, providing its work-related. As I reply to your message, Focus Session is turned on. It's so easy to get carried away even on Wealthy Affiliate, but it's good to set a time up and then go on to the next task.
I don't always use the 25-minute time either, for example, I would need longer than that to write a blog post. I would prefer to finish the blog post, rather than stop halfway, rightly or wrongly! The great thing is that the timer can be adjusted from 10 minutes to 240 minutes.
I hope this helps.
Roy
Thanks for reaching out Roy.
I always appreciate your inspiration and insights.
I like the idea of using a timer. When I first started WA it took me about 3-4 hours to do the grueling researching, organizing, and the proofreading prior to posting. That was almost two years ago. Compare this to what I know now, it's a difference of day and night. We evolve with the times, right?
Same thing with the Pomodoro Technique. Yes, it is helpful because of its ability to break the task down into smaller pieces, using the timer. This is way more efficient. I love the idea of the time management aspect s. I tend to do a lot of all-nighters without taking breaks. This leads to non-productivity over time.
However, with the help of AI, I have way less writer's block and less stress and I can still use a timer; but I use it a lot less. Sometimes, the prompt engineering gets to me and I have to take a break. Either way, at the end of the day I am still more productive.
I'm always learning and trying to find better ways of doing things. I appreciate your insights and advice and it helps me keep up with the ever-changing times. So, Thanks for keeping us informed.
It would be very beneficial if you could expand a little bit on the Focus Session. I, personally, have never heard of it. First chance I get, I will see what Google has to say about it. It sounds like an upgrade to the Pomodoro Technique. As far as I'm concerned, life is all about continuous learning. Why not, right?
The best is yet to come.
Rachele
Good morning, Rachele,
Thank you. It's great that we can share our thoughts with others and encourage each other on the platform!
It's amazing how we can move forward and get in the flow, the more we practice, the easier things become.
I think if we keep working, we kind of imagine we are getting more done, but actually, we are not. I always think that I can get more work carried out in five or six days than seven days, the body needs to take a break!
I don't know if you have seen the training that I made, Rachele, maybe that will help a bit. I will put the link below. How To Stay Focused With Focus Sessions-Pomodoro Technique! Have a great day and thank you for commenting.
Roy
Hi Roy! I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this. It certainly seems to be a relatable issue in our modern times.
I’ve heard of it but have not really tried it. But the idea of concentrated work cycles with specific breaks seems logical. I guess we just need to find a way that works for each of us.
Have a great new week!
Susan
Good morning Susan,
I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my blog post.
I would guess that quite a bit of research has gone into the Pomodoro technique, so it probably means something genuine! I don't always use the 25-minute work cycle, for example, if I was writing a blog post, I would like to complete it rather than stopping two-thirds of the way through. The great thing is the time can be adjusted from 10 minutes to 240 minutes.
I think probably for me having worked outside all my life, maybe the computer attracts a bit of wandering or whatever the word may be! Whereas, when I work on my off-line business, I am very focused on getting the job completed.
One thing is for sure, the Pomodoro technique is working for me.
Have a great day.
Roy
Hello Roy! I'm glad to hear that the technique is working for you. Whatever gets the job done, right? Thanks for sharing that.
Hope you have a great week ahead.
Susan
Thank you, Susan!
The Pomodoro technique appears to be working for me! But I do appreciate that different things work for different people!
Have a great day.
Roy
See more comments
I have been thinking about writing a post about this recently. Turns out I have never known the, I guess more official, name of the technique.
I was taught it at the start of high school, as Happy Half Hours. Guess they thought pomodoro technique sounded a little fancy for 13 year olds. I hadn't been able to find any information under the name I knew it by so thanks for this coincidentally well-timed post!!!
I must admit I hadn't heard of the Pomodoro technique, Elyta, until a few weeks ago! We never stop learning!
Yes, I hear you, that may have been too fancy for 13-year-olds!
I really like the idea of accountability and literally having focus sessions and not being sidetracked! It appears to be working for me, I can definitely recommend trying it!
Have a great day.
Roy