I think I might have just solved my own problem. My last post was a boatload of excuses about why I couldn’t get my act together to blog. And since I’ve posted that string of whininess, I’ve kind of done a 180 about how I manage my time and how I need to fit writing and creativity into my day. I’m adopting a no more excuses state of mind.
I just set a timer for 25 minutes and that is all the time that I am going to dedicate to writing this morning. I’m using the Pomodoro Technique something that I learned about back in January in a class I took with the very talented Tiffany Han and while I liked it conceptually I haven’t exactly put into practice. The idea is that your brain can really only focus on something for 25 minutes. After that, you need to take a break. Basically, it’s a way to help you manage your time and break down your work into manageable 25 minute bite sized Pomodoros so that you can maximize your efficiency and create high quality work. It also helps you minimize distractions keeping Facebook updates and Instagram browsing for your breaks. Sounds easy enough right?
There’s a whole book and I am definitely simplifying but the idea of spending 25 minutes as a starting point seems doable so I’m trying it. And then what I’ll do is see how many Pomodoros (25 minute increments) it actually takes me to create a post from having an idea to writing to hitting publish so I’ll have a better idea of how much time I’m spending and how much time is required. I just have this gut feeling that I am laboring way too long. I haven’t figured out if I’m dragging my feet or overworking or what but I’m hoping this will be like a mini-bootcamp for my brain.
I know that I fall into the trap of not doing stuff because I think it’s going to take too long. But 25 minutes seems manageable. I can do anything for 25 minutes except maybe plank pose or mountain climbers. So shake off you’re I don’t have time excuses, set a timer for 25 minutes and go get something that you’ve been putting off done.
I’m dying to look at the timer right now and see how much time is left….8:07! I’m sold.
Update: It took me two pomodoros to write this blog post. Definitely a personal record. Self-admittedly I was trying to beat the clock a little. But hey, whatever works!
Pomodoro #1 – Idea, research and writing Pomodoro #2 – Editing, web admin, links, imagery, final review and publish
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