In a world full of distractions like Facebook, Twitter, & PokemonGo, it’s easy to derailed from the task at hand. By easy, I mean REALLY easy!

Moreover, with a whole world of games and news at our fingertips, how can you not get distracted? Just as I am writing this short intro, I’ve gotten a text message, an email and an alert telling me that my favorite team ( The Green Bay Packers) has a new article for me to jump right into!

On the other hand, what if you could set aside this world full of awesomeness and actually focus on what matters?

I get it, work is boring and so is writing a long-term paper. Maybe, you’re reading a super dry textbook in school or a manual at work.

No matter what, you have to get this stuff done. You just have to!!! I know, having to do work is a bummer. However, we all have responsibilities that we need accomplished one way or another.

Therefore, I have a simple solution: The Pomodoro Technique

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The basic principle of the Pomodoro method which centers around self-focus is very simple: do your set task continuously, with no distractions, for a set amount of time.

Then take a short break…and you’re done. That’s it! Seriously.

So how and why does the Pomodoro Technique work? How does it help avoid distractions? It uses the idea that if you break a large task into smaller amounts, you won’t feel so overwhelmed.

Moreover, imagine you’re on a long road trip, that’s 10 hours long. That’s a pretty daunting car trip, right?

Now, imagine that same car trip being 2 hours. So, you drive for 2 hours, take a break. Maybe grab some snacks, get lunch, stop at a local town.

Then, You get back in the car and drive another 2 hours. Repeat this cycle until you’ve finished your trip. Yeah sure, it might take a bit longer in the end. However, you didn’t dread the task at hand. You got the task done, and you didn’t have to suffer that much.

How to Perform the Pomodoro Technique and avoid Distractions?

What you’ll need is a few tools OR a really good memory and sense of time to get started. Whichever you prefer will work, as long as you stick to the method.

What you need:

• A timer
• Piece of paper/method of tracking

How to Use It: 6 EASY Steps to Complete the Pomodoro Technique

Alright, so you’ve identified that you needed to get some great work done, yes?

Perfect, let’s get started!

Step 1:

Identify your task or project you want to get done. Doesn’t matter how long or short. Just have a specific task you want to get done.

Step 2:

Set your timer for 25 minutes, no more and no less.

Step 3: 

While the timer runs, work on your project, task or work continuously with no distractions. If an idea or thought pops in your head outside of the specific task at hand, write it down and continue working.

Step 4:

TIME’S UP! You’re 25 minute have passed and your timer starts ringing . Put a check-mark or tally down on your paper.

Step 5:

After, you’ve marked it down, take a short 5-10 minute break.

Step 6:

Repeat this cycle four times. After four tally or check-marks (signifying you’ve done four 25 minute sessions), you now take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.

You’re done. I’m serious!

Why Does This Technique Work?

As I mentioned earlier in the article, breaking a longer task into smaller and more manageable sections has a psychological effect on how we view things.

The Pomodoro Technique works because we’re limiting the distractions that keep us from getting things done, to our specific breaks. I’m not saying DON’T go on Facebook, or browse your favorite news website.

All I’m suggesting is that do it during your designated break times.

Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique

We covered a few of the benefits of this method already, but I’m going to list them out separately here for you, if you weren’t already convinced to try this technique out.

Productivity

Using this method will keep you actively working on what you need to get done. You’re making a conscious effort to stay on task and limit your distractions.

• Get things done quicker
• You’ll get MORE tasks done
• The quality of work you complete using the technique will become noticeable in no time

Not only does it boost your productivity, but you’ll notice other benefits as well.

Self-Rewarding

Everyone likes to know they’ve accomplished something. It’s a mental “hooray” that pats you on the back every time you finish a project.

For example, imagine you’ve been putting off mowing the lawn for a few weeks. You’ve put it off for far too long and now it takes you longer to cut. This is the WORST feeling in the world. Being behind and knowing if you just hadn’t procrastinated, it’d have been so much easier.

So, instead of having that happen. Let’s see how this would work if we used the Pomodoro Technique?

You get outside and pull out the mower. You start sweating and getting into the music blaring in your ears.

Then, after 25 minutes, you take a short water break.

Back at it! You rev-up that engine and get moving.

25 more minutes go by and you realize you still have another side of the house to go. Well now my first music playlist just ended.

So you take another short break to change your music, catch a breath and have a bit more water.

Breaks done! Back at it and before you know it, you’re done.

Not so bad, right?

On top of that, for every 25 minutes you accomplished, you rewarded yourself for your great effort. You allowed yourself to relax and refocus your energy.

You self-rewarded! You gave yourself a pat on the back. How could that not be a great idea?

This leads me to my third and last benefit.

Reduces Stress

Honestly, how bad is stress in your life?

In mine it’s pretty bad and most of it comes from worrying about the things I need to do.

When you’re rewarding yourself for “mini victories”, being more productive and getting everything you need done, this leads to much less stress.

But how bad is stress you ask? It can’t be THAT bad right?

It is.

Many doctors believe stress is one of the top factors for cancer and heart disease.

Moreover, when you’re stressed, your body is under duress. This is NOT healthy.

Less stress = Healthier mind and body

To learn more about how you can reduce stress read: Top 7 Ways to Manage Stress Like a Pro.

Conclusion: Will You Try It?

I heard about this method, and it definitely made me skeptical at first. I’m a creäture of habit and routine, and this sounded very foreign to me.

So, I tried it and absolutely loved it. I got more tasks done, got them done quicker and at an even better quality that I was achieving before.

Comment your thoughts below and let me know if this worked for you!

Article written by Chritt Lequia, to find out more about him visit our Authors page here: CLICK ME