Crushing your goals, getting things done on your to-do list sometimes seems impossible.
A few years ago, I struggled with staying on task during the day and actually getting stuff done. It seemed as though I just could NOT get organized!
By the time I went to sleep at night, I often felt discouraged and mad with myself that I wasn’t able to get as much accomplished as I wanted to.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have a hard time focusing on what I need to accomplish when I get down to work..one of the pitfalls of working at home.
There seem to be so many things going on around me and so many distractions that sometimes I feel that I haven’t done half of what I set out to do.
I thought that there must be a way to solve my problem. I researched and came up with several ideas of how to get this under control and stay organized.
After much trial and error, I came to the conclusion that one method seemed to work better for me than the rest.
I discovered the Pomodoro Method of organizing my day and my list, and I was amazed at what I was able to get done.
This is how the Pomodoro Method works:
1. Create a master list of everything that you need to do.
I do this weekly from my planner, where I have EVERYTHING listed that I need to do for the rest of my life. Ha.
2. Create a smaller daily to-do list.
From that master list, create a smaller daily list the night before and make a vow to complete it the following day. Write down every task that you want to complete the next day and then COMMIT to it!
3. Organize.
Organize your daily list into small tasks. If your tasks are not overwhelming, you will tend to get them done!
4. Start with the most difficult task.
The next morning, start with the task that you would least like to do. Perhaps is the most difficult or maybe the most distasteful or it could even be the one that you think will take the longest to complete.
5. Set your timer.
Set your timer for 25 minutes and work on that ONE task. Concentrate! At this point you must focus on the task at hand..no checking emails, answering the phone or scrolling through Facebook. If something pops into your head that you need to do, jot it down, address it during your break, and then add it to your list to do.
6. Take a break.
At the end of 25 minutes, take a 5 to 10 minute break.
7. Break’s over! Get back to work!
When the timer dings signaling that your break is over, go back to the task if you haven’t finished it, or move on to the next task for 25 more minutes.
8. Check it off the list! You’re closer to accomplishing your goals!
Check each task off your list as you complete it. The visual of the check mark on the paper list shows you exactly what you have accomplished and will make it easier to keep going.
9. Repeat.
Repeat this until you have completed 4 tasks, then increase your break time to 15 minutes.
10. Go to bed that night knowing that you actually crushed your to-do list!
The Pomodoro Method is especially helpful when undertaking tasks that you have put off for a long time. Commit to spending just 25 minutes doing a job that you dread so you can to get it done and put it behind you.
This method really works for me. It helps me get things organized and get things done.
When I eliminate distractions, even if just for 25 minutes, it gives me the focus and the motivation that I need to keep on going. Once I started this method and saw how I could quickly check things off my list, I was hooked.
Try it, start crushing that to-do list, and let me know what you think!
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This sounds like a great method. I frequently use a timer, but have not been good about taking breaks. I need to incorporate that.
What a great way to approach it! I find a timer helpful, but I’m not good at taking breaks though it sure makes sense!
I wasn’t good at taking breaks, either, Donna, and I had to make myself do it…but surprisingly, it has worked for me! Try it and tell me what you think!