04
Work in Timed Increments
Pomodoro Power
This week, let’s try a powerful productivity technique that might just change the way you work: the Pomodoro Technique. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance focus and maintain consistent productivity throughout the day and it can reinforce the time blocking habit we worked on last week.
Habit of the week:
Work in Timed Increments
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo. It involves breaking your workday into 25-minute chunks of focused work (called "Pomodoros"), each followed by a 5-minute break. After every four Pomodoros, you take an extended break of 15-30 minutes. This technique helps to enhance focus and maintain consistent productivity throughout the day.
Why it matters:
Implementing the Pomodoro Technique can significantly boost your productivity and focus. Working in short bursts makes you likely to be more focused and less prone to distractions. Regular breaks keep your mind fresh and prevent burnout. This habit can be particularly beneficial for web designers and developers who juggle multiple tasks and projects.
Quick Start Guide:
- Choose a task to work on.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work uninterrupted until the timer rings.
- Take a 5-minute break.
- Repeat the cycle three more times.
- After four Pomodoros, take a 15-30 minute longer break.
- Repeat the process throughout your workday.
Cami's Tips
- Take a moment during each break to rejuvenate: move away from your workspace and drink a glass of water.
- If you use a standing desk, switch between standing and sitting with each Pomodoro session.
- Should distractions arise during focused time, simply note them down and revisit later.
- Feel free to adjust Pomodoro durations to fit your own pace – perhaps try two back-to-back sessions (50 minutes total) followed by a 10-minute break.
- Consider doing the technique only in the morning or afternoon.
- Use this cheat sheet as you learn.
Routine Checkpoint:
Remember, perfection isn't required for the Pomodoro Technique to be effective! Give it a try!
If you are new to the Pomodoro Technique, try it for a day or two this week. If you like it, continue to add another day each week until you are using it M-F. If your are a tomato-timer pro already, just try to increase the time you Pomodoro this week.
What's Your Take?
How did it go? Send me a reply, post your Pomodoro experience with #WebDesignerHabits on social media, or for a more community-focused chat, join us in the WebCami Cafe Facebook Group.
WebCami Cafe is a Facebook group created to connect web designers, old and new, to share tips on starting, running, and maintaining a successful web design business. Join Today!
Podcast Episode:
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help solopreneurs build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.