Start Your Timers!

By on January 9, 2012 in Technology, Time
Pomodoro Kitchen Timer for Action Logging

Image by AndyRobertsPhotos via Flickr

Pomodoro technique until recently. I am was familiar with speed bursts and energy levels, but was surprised to know that there existed this whole school of thought and a plethora of online and mobile apps to support its usage. You learn something new every day! And if you don’t you are probably dead (that was my addition.)I have been ever so thankful to have unearthed this gem for sure! Here is a brief over view from http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/

What is it?

The Pomodoro Technique™ is a way to get the most out of time management. Turn time into a valuable ally to accomplish what we want to do and chart continuous improvement in the way we do it.

Francesco Cirillo created the Pomodoro Technique™ in 1992. It is now practiced by professional teams and individuals around the world.

How does it work?

The basic unit of work in the Pomodoro Technique™ can be split in five simple steps:

  1. Choose a task to be accomplished
  2. Set the Pomodoro to 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)
  3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings, then put a check on your sheet of paper
  4. Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)
  5. Every 4 Pomodoros take a longer break

For a more in depth discussion, you can download the PDF version of The Pomodoro Technique eBook or view the Pomodoro Cheat Sheet.

Since I tend to work and organize my tasks electronically, I use this technique in an electronic format. You can too! Instead of tracking my activities on a worksheet, I use my task list in Outlook and mark them complete as I go along. I use an electronic timer (I have been trying out some of the ones listed below,) but many varieties exist. You can use a web version, download a desktop version or find an app for your mobile phone…. use whatever works for you. I am finding myself competing against own productivity to see just how many segments I can complete and how much I can get done in 25 minutes!

Some resources to check out:

ChromoDoro – Google Chrome toolbar add-in -https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/edhkjecdcakijjmlelnjjiohjmlaikhb?hl=en-US

FocusBooster – Browser & desktop versions –  http://www.focusboosterapp.com/

OnlineClock.net – Online timers – http://onlineclock.net/about/

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  • http://onlineclock.net/about/ OnlineClock.net

    Dear Royale,

    Thank you so much for mentioning our Online Clocks as one way of boosting your productivity!

    As anyone knows who’s actually tried the Pomodoro Technique, it truly WORKS, and you’re surely helping a lot of people by getting the message out.

    Yours,

    Webmaster
    OnlineClock.net