Pomodoro

Having run out of ideas for blogs I have decided to just spill my brain onto this digital page for the next 23mins and 32 secs, Which is precisely the time left on the Pomodoro timer ticking away in the adjacent browser window.

The Pomodoro timer for those of you who don’t know comes from the idea of short-timed bursts of focus then a little bell to remind you to take 5 mins break to either reset your task or to move on to something else.

I was skeptical, as I often am, but since I have started using it tasks have actually become easier. Once I know the timer will run out I either have a race with myself to finish or ponder how 25mins could feel like such a long time.

The Pomodoro technique is also great for creating deadlines. Finish this in the next 25 mins and it's done there is no extra time for could haves and maybe if I’s

If I was in the business of food I would consider myself a cook rather than a chef. I like to eyeball things; a cup of this or a pinch of that. I am not a follow-a-recipe-to-the-letter kind of person. Never go through the manual before I take it out of the box kind of thing.

This I have found comes with a cost. I get distracted from what I am currently working on. Starting things, “bring it on”. Seeing them through to the end “em….not so much”.

Having a little timer ticking away is like turning work into a giant game of countdown. (That little theme tune is now running through your head, you’re welcome! ). This has been a bit of a revelation for me. If I am feeling unmotivated I can set the timer and say “Look it’s only 25 mins see what happens.”

You might be reading this saying to yourself. This person is an idiot, I have been doing this since my school days and you would, of course, be right.

But as I mentioned before this is not my style. I am an artist I fly by the seat of my pants, where the day takes me. My muse arrives whenever the time is right and the work will last as long as the wind blows from a northerly direction.

This, although a novel idea, is fantasy when it comes to actually finishing things. This is why writers have editors, why musicians have producers and why athletes have coaches. To highlight and work with the shortcomings we are blind to.

The Pomodoro technique might not bring your weaknesses into the light. But it might help you getting started and focus long enough to catch a little glimpse. Why not try it out?

I have to go now there’s the bell!