Productivity for Procrastinators

If you are a procrastinator and want to be more productive then I have the perfect solution for you. If you are like me around certain subjects then we can totally wreck our time management when we are avoiding doing the important things. So often it is the important things, so we end up faffing around.

Dyslexia and Procrastination

I am dyslexic so sometimes I simply avoid the blog writing or accounts as it is not my strength – although when I finally get going against the clock, I am suddenly knocking it all out of the park. My productivity goes through the roof.

Then a few years ago I was given an opportunity to do a short writing course, starting on a Friday night and then completing a short story by Sunday evening.

Pomodoro Clock Method

I was introduced to a thing called the Pomodoro clock method by Francesco Cirillo as a method of improving productivity. This uses intervals to break down tasks. As a former fitness professional, it felt like a HIIT class for writers which I totally connected with and it changed my life and my more importantly my work load decreased. I am a girl on a mission to get shizzle done.  In fact, we named Wednesday as Get Shizzle Done Day and it’s my favourite day of the week. Wednesdays are about Resilience, Joy at Work and general happiness.

Nans Clock in her kitchen

You may remember the old kitchen tomato timers that our Nans had in their kitchen.  Look it up and it will make sense. The principal behind this is short bursts of focus (don’t worry about spelling) just simply go for it. You know your list, you know what you need to get done, so give yourself a solid chunk of time and then a rest and repeat again. Then on the 4^th or 5^th time you take a bigger rest, get up, make a cuppa, or walk as #walkingworks and helps with thinking and then start again. Just like a HIIT class (high Intensity Interval training)

Usually I set the timer and I write in a frenzy for 4 minutes – that’s enough time to write a paragraph then take a break for a few minutes and then go again.

This really helps with reducing interruptions and allows focus. Today there are loads of apps offering this format, I use my phone timer to keep me on track.

The Technique:

• Write your list of actions to complete by the end of the timer session
• Set your intervals for a time of up to 25 minutes (start with 5 minutes for each interval to start with)
• Set up your writing area (laptop or notepad)
• Go and do it
• Complete your tasks
• Reward yourself with a break
  

It is easy and so helpful to keep your focus on. Give it a go and see how you get on. There is nothing as good as getting stuff done feels.

Keep me posted of your journey. I would love to hear how this has impacted you.