November 30

Pomodoro

The creative process flows best when you alternate between deep engagement and deep rest. It’s in the fluctuation that you often experi- ence breakthroughs, because you are forcing your mind to shift gears, which can forge new and unexpected insights in the most unlikely ways.

One method that I’ve found effective is the Pomodoro technique. It involves engaging in a series of twenty-five-minute deep work ses- sions punctuated by five-minute breaks. So you set a timer, work unin- terrupted for twenty-five minutes, then when the alarm goes off, take a five-minute break. Get up. Walk around. Grab some coffee. Stretch. Do something that shifts your mode for a few minutes. Then reset the timer and dive in once more.

Many pros who have implemented this technique will set a goal for their session. For example, “I’m going to do three Pomodoros this morn- ing,” or “I will do five Pomodoros throughout the day.” Simply planning these short, deep work sessions in advance can drastically improve your daily productivity and your overall sense of energy.

Creative productivity happens best in short, frequent bursts of work. Schedule them in advance to ensure that they don’t get squeezed out by your busy life.

QUESTION

How can you plan a few short bursts of creative productivity today? Can you work in two Pomodoros at some point to do your deep, creative work?