If you’ve ever wanted an EASY hack that can make you more efficient in your writing and creating, this article can show you how to implement a system today
Be sure to read to the bottom of the page where there are some links to help you implement the technique right now.
And be sure to share your productivity hacks in the comments so we can all become more efficient writers together!
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“A writer takes earnest measures to secure his solitude and then finds endless ways to squander it.”
Have you ever had those days where you organize your schedule to have hours of writing time, only to be unproductive? Maybe you have a consistent writing time each day but you think there’s more you can squeeze out of that time.
As writers, we’re constantly racing against the clock whether we realize it or not. Over the past week or so I’ve added this simple technique to my writing routine and the results have been pretty surprising. It will help you write more efficiently while helping you to maximize your time.
Here are the 4 steps to effectively implement the Pomodoro Technique into your writing day and become more effective and efficient:
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The Technique
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How to Use it as a Writer
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Preview & Review
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The Results
The Technique
So what is the Pomodoro Technique? I’m glad you asked.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system developed by Francisco Cirillo in 1980. It is designed with intervals of focused work times followed by short breaks.
The technique was named for the tomato-shaped timer he used to develop the system. It’s goal was to help complete tasks more efficiently by reducing interruptions on our focus and flow.
Okay, enough of the history lesson, let’s dig in to how it will help us.
A Pomodoro Set
25 minutes: Focused Work Time
5 minutes: Short Break
25 minutes: Focused Work Time
5 minutes: Short Break
25 minutes: Focused Work Time
5 minutes: Short Break
25 minutes: Focused Work Time
15-30 minutes: Longer Break
I can already hear you all groaning. “But,” you say, “how am I going to give up between 30 and 45 minutes every two hours? I have writing to do!”
I hear you. What I’m saying is that you’ll get more done in less time by implementing this technique. Seriously, try it for a week and see how much you get done.
How to use it as a Writer
As writers, we need to be productive to feel good. But we also need to feel good to be productive. It really is a rough and unforgiving system.
We can use the Pomodoro Technique to help us be more productive in two ways.
1. Eye on the Timer
It’s worth noting that one of the most seriously untapped (not to mention free and easy) systems for being a more efficient and prolific writer is simply to add a ticking clock.
Try Google searching “timer” and set it to 25 minutes. Then make the window small and move it to the upper right hand corner of your screen so you can always see it.
I’d urge you not to set a timer on your phone where you might be tempted to look at the time and get preoccupied by a notification. If you lock your phone, you don’t have the added urgency that comes with watching a ticking clock.
2. Movement Breaks
So let’s talk about that five minute break. What should you do during that break? Well, you may have seen this coming, but you should do whatever you find will make you more productive.
I’ve heard of people using a treat like a piece of candy at the end of their 25 minute work time. That would make me feel a bit too much like Pavlov’s dog, but you do you.
My suggestion: make it a movement break. At the start of my day, I often cue up some five minute meditation, stretches, yoga, or other quick workouts.
Personally, I find that being active is by far the best way to remain productive over long periods of time. Being active and away from my computer during those intervals allows me to come back refreshed. Plus, the experts agree:
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“Just getting up every once in a while… just to go to the bathroom or pet your dog or make yourself a cup of tea — even though you’re not spending a lot of energy, you’re turning on your muscles. And your muscles, of course, are the largest organ in your body — and just turning them on turns down inflammation. It uses up fats in your bloodstream and sugars in your bloodstream, and it produces molecules that turn down inflammation. So the evidence is that interrupted sitting is really the best way to sit.”
If you try the Pomodoro Technique and don’t feel like it’s working, the first place I’d make a modification is your breaks. Switch up your reward. Here are some options:
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Yoga
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Stretching
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Core work
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Pet your cat
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Call a friend
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Stand outside
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Do the dishes
Anything to get up and get moving!
Preview & Review
Before diving into a Pomodoro cycle, one of the keys to maximizing your productivity is to set a specific and observable goal that articulates exactly what you plan to get done in that 25 minutes.
Examples of possible goals:
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Word count
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Number of pages edited
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Number of pages read
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Section of an outline completed
These are just some of the many tasks that need to be executed to be an effective writer.
You’ll want to know exactly what will make you successful. Start with something reasonably attainable and work your way up to more ambitious goals. The feeling of success is what will drive you to become more efficient.
When you’ve successfully completed a cycle, take a few moments and write a quick work review of what you’ve completed (see mine below). This will help solidify the work you’ve completed and allow you to reflect and be proud of what you’ve done.
Seriously, pat yourself on the back when you finish a Pomodoro set.
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“Specific cases should be handled with common sense: If you finish a task while the Pomodoro is still ticking, the following rule applies: If a Pomodoro begins, it has to ring. It’s a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity for overlearning, using the remaining portion of the Pomodoro to review or repeat what you’ve done, make small improvements, and note what you’ve learned until the Pomodoro rings.”
The Results
This changed my work output drastically. Even though I was spending less time at the computer, I churned out far more words. Between the timer setting some urgency and the movement breaks reinvigorating me, I’ve almost doubled my daily output. Without a doubt, this can maximize your productivity.
And guess what? You’re reading the fruits of my labors right now. Granted I had to complete another Pomodoro cycle to edit. But check it out:
This was my morning routine today:
25 minutes: 300 word goal: 292 words (Need. Coffee.)
5 minutes: full body stretch
25 minutes: 300 word goal: 351 words (Pow!)
5 minutes: standing yoga
25 minutes: 300 word goal: 343 words
5 minutes: meditation
25 minutes: 300 word goal: 308 words (Phew! Barely made it)
15-30 minutes: Drove to work (not sure this counts but this is a judgment free zone, thank you very much.)
Conclusion
If you’ve ever sat down at your keyboard and thought, I have so much time to work on my writing. This is going to be great! Then you blinked (or watched seven YouTube videos) and the time slips away, this technique is for you.
Try it. What do you have to lose? More importantly, what do you have to gain?
Test drive the technique for a week. Try some different break options. And most importantly, be proud of yourself. In a world full of people spending their time doom scrolling social media or binge watching Netflix, you’re owning your life and creating something.
After completing a set of the Pomodoro Technique, I hope you raise your fists in the air like Rocky on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum and scream at the top of your lungs.
You are worthy of praise. Let me be the first to preemptively congratulate you on your progress. Well done!
Leave a comment if this system is working for you. Also, if you have other efficiency hacks, please share! The writers who visit want to hear from you. Let’s build a community to help each other.
Here you’ll find two videos that implement the Pomodoro Technique for you. I urge you strongly to use the links on this site as opposed to following them to YouTube.
Why? Because if you take yourself over to YouTube (and you’re a human being) you’re extremely likely to get distracted by the suggested videos on the sidebar. Stay here where there are minimal distractions and play the videos in this window. You’ll thank me later.
If you’re looking for more ways to be an efficient writer – check out The Effort Journal!
