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One of the few things that has worked for me is the Pomodoro Technique. If you haven't heard of it, it's very close to what the author is talking about: create
by edanm 16y ago
One of the few things that has worked for me is the Pomodoro Technique.
If you haven't heard of it, it's very close to what the author is talking about: create a very specific list of tasks, with high granularity, and then concentrate on one task for 25 minutes. Put a mark next to it when you've done 25 minutes, then go rest for 5 minutes. Rinse and repeat.
This has all sorts of psychology built-in, like forcing you to stop after 25 minutes, often in mid-task. This makes you more anxious to get back and finish the job. It's also much easier to get yourself to say "ok, I'll just work on this one thing for 25 minutes", rather than "ok, let's get started on this 4-hour-long task."
For anyone interested in more information, you can read about the technique and download a (free) ebook about it from www.pomodorotechnique.com.
Also, I'm currently working on a small webapp that helps you manage your tasks using the Pomodoro Technique. You can sign up to be notified of the beta at www.pomodoroplanner.com.
- ihodes 16y agoThat sounds like an excellent app idea. I'll be signing up, for sure. Might I suggest that you check out using something like http://notifo.com/ http://notifo.com/ to send users texts when their timers end?
- edanm 16y agoThanks! We're actually considering a number of ways of getting the notifications out - I hadn't really considered notifo.com, but it looks like a great solution. I'll definitely be considering it!
- benohear 16y agoI found the Pomodoro Technique to be a bit like daily pushups. It really does work, but it requires discipline and/or a routine to keep it up. The problem is that once you've missed a few days for any number of reasons, it requires effort to reinstate, and in my experience that inevitably gets procrastinated.
- edanm 16y agoYep - that's usually the problem with these types of things. We're working hard on trying to solve that problem with our app, though it's a tough one. I've been thinking along the lines of emailing people reminding them of their tasks, but I don't know if that will be too intrusive (people tend to dislike getting too many mails.)
- riledhel 16y agoDon't forget people sometimes complete the tasks, but are too lazy/distracted/busy to use your tool. So include something to update your tool very very quickly so people can get that burocratic thing out of the way fast.
- yatsyk 16y agoTryed a lot of approaches and Promodoro is one of things that works for mee too. My minimalistic setup is http://e.ggtimer.com/25%20minutes http://e.ggtimer.com/25%20minutes bookmarklet on browser toolbar.