Getting Organized with Time Management- using the Pomodoro Technique

Getting organized means completing tasks that you set for yourself. But some people find it hard to stay on task. Either they get distracted or they find that their motivation decreases as time goes on.

One way to get the job done is to break it down into smaller amounts of time - with breaks in-between.  Using a timer and working until the timer goes off is one way to get your task completed.

Try it and see if it helps! 

The Pomodoro Technique simplifies time and task management with a single, simple tool: a timer.

Follow these steps to maximize your work sessions with the Pomodoro Technique:

1. Choose your timer. The Pomodoro Technique is based on the tomato-shaped kitchen timer, but any timer will do.
   
   
2. Track your sessions
   

o   Use a sticky note, notepad, scratch paper, or your computer

o   Use check boxes or scratch marks to track each session you complete

3. Set your timer for 25 minutes
   

o   While the timer is ticking, work without distractions

4. When the timer goes off, stop and take a break. Your break should last at least 5 minutes, but should be kept short.
   
   
5. After completing 4 successful Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break
   

o   Now is a good time for a 30-minute break, a snack, or even a short nap to recharge

6. Repeat with sets of 4 sessions until your project or work-day is done

Be sure to focus on the project that you are working on - and don't think about the timer. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in short bursts of time.

Happy Organizing!
 
Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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34 Easy Tips to Increase Your Productivity

When you boost your productivity, not only do you get more work done, but you can also do it quicker, freeing up more time for you to do the things you really want to do!

Try these tips to help you take control of your day and accomplish more:

1.      Set a goal for each day

2.      Make a schedule – with deadlines – for your tasks

3.      Keep a daily to-do list. Cross off tasks as they're completed.

4.      If a task doesn't really need to be done, just get rid of it altogether

5.      Batch similar tasks together

6.      Learn to say no to requests for tasks that would impede on your priorities

7.      Delegate some of your work

8.      Do the unpleasant items quickly and as early in the day as possible

9.      Slow down. Rushing causes mistakes and actually slows your productivity.

10.  Leave only icons for work programs on your computer desktop

11.  Avoid social networking sites during work hours, unless you use them for work

12.  Color-code your paper files and folders

13.  Take a 2-5 minute "micro nap." Rest your head and close your eyes.

14.  Organize your electronic files and folders so you know where everything is

15.  Use keyboard shortcuts whenever you can

16.  Schedule your most critical tasks for your most effective time of the day

17.  Communicate clearly with clients, bosses, and colleagues

18.  Use a planner faithfully

19.  Search for add-ons for your browser that can speed up your Internet tasks

20.  Take breaks to relax and refresh your mind and body

21.  Use stress-reducing techniques each day to keep stress to a minimum

22.  Keep work and personal email separate. Access only work email when working.

23.  Limit emails to 5 sentences: who, what, where, when, and why

24.  Clear clutter from your desk

25.  Beat procrastination and get started right away on the task at hand

26.  Try doing everything a little faster. Walk, talk, type, and read faster.

27.  Avoid trying to multi-task

28.  Focus hard on being productive for 30 minutes at a time. Set a timer.

29.  Help motivate yourself with your favorite quotes

30.  Focus on the appropriate task—personal or work-related—at the appropriate time

31.  Put on headphones to avoid distracting noises. Listen to music if it helps you.

32.  Focus on the tasks that will accomplish the most

33.  Ask for help

34.  Leave your desk clean at the end of each day

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

How to Gain Laser Focus in a World Full of Distractions

Our ability to focus has been reduced dramatically. We’ve never had more distractions to deal with. And as disheartening as it sounds, many of the distractions we face were engineered to be as distracting as possible.

Our brains quickly become addicted to these distractions and our ability to focus on important work suffers.

Learning how to focus is a vital skill if you want to be productive and successful.

Overcome the distractions in your life and get things done with these strategies:

    1. Single-tasking beats multitasking. Avoid fooling yourself. You’ll get more done and feel more relaxed if you focus on a single task at a time. It’s not easy for your brain to switch back and forth between different things. Set your priorities and complete them in order.

    2. Do deep focus activities early in the day. Your ability to focus deeply is greatest in the morning and decreases throughout the day. A few people also do well late at night if their day isn’t too demanding.

        ◦ Schedule your more demanding mental tasks earlier in the day. Save the simpler items for later when your focus is weaker.

    3. Practice focusing. You can’t be good at something you don’t practice. It’s harder to focus deeply than you think.

        ◦ Try setting a timer for 15 minutes and keep your attention entirely on performing a task. Notice how stray thoughts constantly interfere. Notice how strong the urge to check your email, text messages, social media becomes.

        ◦ Over time, you’ll be able to focus for longer periods of time before you need a break.

    4. Remove distractions. Make life easier for yourself by removing as many distractions as possible. Put your phone away. Turn off the TV. Block any websites that you find compelling. Close any computer tabs you don’t need. Remove any distracting sounds. Turn off the radio.

    5. Learn to be comfortable with being bored. When you’re focused and working, it can also be boring. Most of us choose to distract ourselves because we’re bored. The better you can handle boredom, the easier it is to avoid engaging in those distractions.

        ◦ When you have the urge to distract yourself, force yourself to wait 15 minutes longer. After a few days of this, try 30 minutes. Keep building on this.

    6. Plan time for your most common distractions. You don’t have to avoid your favorites distractions 100% of the time. Simply schedule time for those activities after your work has been completed for the day. Put a reasonable limit on how long you’ll spend on them.

    7. Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for focus and energy. Your brain needs at least seven hours of sleep to be at its best. Have consistent times for going to bed and waking up.

        ◦ Try sleeping for seven hours each night for a week and rate your ability to focus. The following week try 7.5 hours. If you see an improvement, try eight hours. Keep going if necessary and find the optimum amount of sleep for you.

    8. Eat healthy foods. Your body and brain function better when you eat in a healthy manner. Your focus improves with a healthy diet. Start by eliminating everything you know isn’t good for you – one at a time will work.

Life is a never-ending series of distractions. The most successful people are able to focus in spite of distractions. It takes practice to focus intently in the face of other things vying for our attention. Incorporate these tips into your daily schedule and you’ll see your ability to focus grow.

 Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....