Maximize Your Productivity With the Pomodoro Technique
Before digging into the Pomodoro technique, I would like to explain some terms to readers to understand the significance of this technique.
First of all, I would like to shed light on the relation of time management and Productivity and why these two terms are essential in our daily lives.
“You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again” (Benjamin Franklin)
“The Trouble Is, You Think You Have Time” (Buddha)
Time management:
We all have one crucial resource i.e. Time. Our lives revolve around time, it has significant importance in our lives as once it is gone, it will never come back. We should respect and value time instead of regretting afterward. Time is Crucial because the sun and moon never miss their time to visit our planet. Life is a time duration from birth to death and we have limited time in this world. Time is eternal, it waits for none. Time is ticking away at the same pace for everyone. Even flowers know when to blossom. So, it is necessary to manage our time to get the maximum from it to become efficient and effective. That introduces us to the topic called time management. Many researcher and authors gave their valuable suggestions to manage our time effectively.
How we spend our time is a skill, which we can develop. So, productivity and time management are interconnected.
Productivity:
“Once you have mastered time, you will understand how true it is that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year — and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade!” (Tony Robbins)
Productivity means that we are wise with time. It is all about maximizing our time and use it efficiently and effectively. Productivity is a skill, which we can develop by training our brains. We can train ourselves by using different techniques. One of the most familiar hurdles in the way of developing Productivity is Procrastination.
“Procrastination is a Thief of Time” (Edward Young)
Procrastination: Procrastination is a habit of putting off important tasks or doing important things. It is an avoidance, habitual or intentional delay of doing task that needs to be done by a certain deadline.
How we can deal Procrastination:
The solution of Procrastination is a Pomodoro technique. Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The timer you often use looks like a tomato. A timer is a little technique to overcome the habit of Procrastination.
Pomodoro Technique Rules:
1.Decided the task to be done
2.Set a timer for 25 minutes
3.Turned off all Interpretations
4. Then focus on a selected task
5. Give yourself a reward
My Personal Experience with the Pomodoro Technique:
I have a habit of procrastination and when deadlines came closer I use to get panic. So, I decided to implement this technique to enhance my productivity and to use my time in a beneficial way.
Deciding a Task to be Done:
I decided to complete my Online valuation masters class lectures while using this technique.
2. I set a timer for 25 minutes, as directed in a technique. I set a timer on my digital wristwatch.
3. I removed all distractions, I turned off my cell phone, Turn off Notification for my laptop and Sign Out my E-mail accounts.
4. I started working on my task with full focus and concentration. I did my work until the bell of the timer rang.
5. I took a short break of 5 minutes and then again set another Pomodoro timer and started working on my task.
I repeat this whole procedure for 4 times. It means to complete my Lecture I set 4 Pomodoro alarms. I took 4 short breaks of 5 minutes and removed all my external distractions in this time period. In spite of removing all external distractions, I faced some internal Distraction i.e. in my Ist Pomodoro my mind is diverted to the climax of my favorite play. My second distraction was my planned presentation which was supposed to deliver the next day. I thought about that for 3 times. But following the Technique, I just wrote my internal distraction in a paper sheet and started working again immediately.
First Pomodoro:
In my first Pomodoro, I listen to a lecture about Financial modeling in detail and takes a notes from an online lecture.
Second Pomodoro:
In the second Pomodoro, I made a model and add all variables in the model in an Excel sheet. There were about 8 variables and data was for 5 years.
Third Pomodoro:
I added assumptions of a valid model and connect all assumption sheets to each Variable. I run Regression test on it and find different values. Some of the assumptions were satisfied. Some have to be modified. I modified assumptions and again run a test.
Fourth Pomodoro:
I wrote explanation of Assumptions of a model and different tests run on these assumptions to clarify their validity. I also gave an in-depth analysis of each assumption and add conclusive remarks.
Experience of using the Pomodoro technique:
My experience of using the Pomodoro technique was effective. It was not difficult for me as it realizes that removing distractions makes your work more impressive. It increases your level of focus and concentration. This technique really fascinates me a lot.
No doubt, This technique worked for me, as I made a complete model yesterday and it took 180 minutes i.e. 3 hours to complete but using this technique I accomplished my task in 100 Minutes which saves my 80 minutes. I am highly impressed by this exceptional technique. The Pomodoro technique is helpful for me to increase my productivity.
I will adopt this technique on a regular basis. I would like to increase the time of timer whenever I fully settled with a 25 minute Pomodoro Alarm. Moreover, I can apply 10/90 rule that means prior planning before starting a task. I can use this technique for the accomplishment of my most important task, at least two Pomodoro in a day. The most effective part of The Pomodoro technique is taking short breaks, that is helpful for me to stay consistent and active. I will practice this technique more and more to enhance my productivity to deal with my mismanagement of time. With this hope that “One day we will be more creative, more productive, yet more relax”. (Francesco Cirillo).
