How I Improved My Productivity With The 50-Minute Focus Technique
As a writer, I often ask myself: How do I stay more productive and have less distractions?
I’ve read books and articles about time management and productivity. I’ve also tried many methods like creating a dedicated writing space, using productivity apps, turning off notifications, and so on.
I simply wanted to write faster and cut down the time it takes to finish a blog post or article because that’s how I can grow my business and make money.
I’ve written about how picking up your phone first thing in the morning can lead you down the rabbit hole.
Sometimes, I open Facebook and begin mindless scrolling, and before I know it, two hours have passed. I dislike the feeling of wasting time on unproductive activities.
In the past 90 days, I started trying out a “50-minute focus method” I came across in Ed Gandia’s email digest that focuses on improving how you work.
Ed is a “business-building coach and strategist for ambitious business writers and copywriters.” He said he uses this method and recommends it if you want to boost your productivity and grow your income.
The 50-Minute Focus Method
Distractions are a significant barrier to productivity.
A 2002 study shows the average person experience an interruption every eight minutes or about seven or eight per hour.
In an eight-hour workday, that’s about 60 interruptions.
And once you’re interrupted, it takes an average of 23 minutes to get back on track and resume the interrupted activity at the level of concentration you were before the Interruption.
The idea is to create periods of intense focus so that you get things done and build momentum.
You do this by dedicating a block of time to focus for at least 50 min on a task, take a break for 20 min, and then return for another round of 50 min session.
This solid block of time helps you create flow and increase your productivity.
Here are a few key points to consider when using this technique:
- Focus on one task. Don’t multitask.
- Remove every distraction from your environment that can impact your concentration.
- Focus on high-value tasks.
You can work a few minutes over the allotted time if you’re on a roll, but don’t push it. Where possible, you want to stick to the time
In the 20 min break, step away from your desk and do something that’s not work-related.
What Makes The 50-Minute Focus Method Effective
When you take a block of time to focus intently on a task, it helps prevent multitasking, which can impact your productivity.
In fact, research has shown that if you shift focus from a task for only a few seconds, it takes you up to 23 min to get your mind back to focus on the task at the level you were before the interruption.
So, every time you check your Facebook feed, respond to email, or do something unrelated to the task at hand, you’re only negatively impacting your ability to get work done.
What the 50-minute focus method does is help you devote attention to a single task for an extended length of time before unplugging for a while for other activities that are unrelated to work.
Guess what? Research from the University of Illinois shows that this process of deactivating and reactivating work allows us to stay focused and increase the quality of our work.
Typically, this non-work period lasts up to 15 minutes and you can use it to walk a bit, do some stretches, grab a cup of coffee, or do something that relaxes you.
Ed pointed out that he used the technique to avoid multitasking and increase productivity by 30%.
Let me now share what I’ve I learned since I started testing this method.
What I Learned Using The 50-Minute Focus Technique
I had a writing project that I needed to get done. I already had an outline for it. So, I dedicated blocks of time to writing and editing.
I started by downloading the Pomodoro Assistant and set the duration of my focus and break session to 50 and 20 min respectively.
The timer ran silently in the background while I worked and went off as soon as I completed my focus session.
I’d then restart the timer for my 20 min break: I usually watch some skit on Facebook, check my mail or do anything else I choose. Then I return for another session.
I sometimes get in the zone during these sessions and continue working for 5 to 10 minutes after the timer went off.
I didn’t get distracted as much as I used to by having only the Libre Office open, closing browser tabs, and putting my phone on flight mode.
It was a little difficult at the start because I’m used to writing and researching, which means I often have lots of browsing tabs open. But I soon got into the groove and over time, it got easier and I repeated the 50-20 cycles two to three times a day.
I initially found it a bit challenging because I’m accustomed to writing and researching, which often leads to having multiple browsing tabs open. However, I quickly adapted to the routine, and as time passed, it became more manageable. I ended up repeating the 50-20 cycles two to three times a day.
So what are the results I have seen?
1. My Creativity Improved
Do you know how you sometimes feel clueless about how to go about a task, only to discover after taking some time off that you suddenly know exactly what to do? Sure you have.
Research continues to emphasize the power of taking breaks to clear our minds and restore creativity.
In a study mentioned in Harvard Business Review, researchers found that participants who didn’t step away from a task at regular intervals were more likely to write ‘new’ ideas that were very similar to the last one they had written.
The researchers validated the idea that incubation periods, even those as brief as a few minutes, can boost a person’s creative output.
The 20–25 minute break between 50-minute period of intense focus gave my brain time to process the work I was doing. I’d often return with new ideas and, in most cases, knew how to better go about or fix something, whether it’s to rewrite a passage, make the writing flow better, and so on.
As the researchers pointed out, “If you’re hesitant to break away because you feel that you’re on a roll, be mindful that it might be a false impression.”
2. My Focus and Productivity Went Up
The reason I wanted to try out the 50-minutes focus technique is because I usually take too long to finish an article because I keep going from one thing to another.
I can tell you that I’ve managed to shorten the length of time it takes to complete an article to a couple of hours. I’m getting a lot more done in less time.
The positive feeling of knowing you’re doing the right thing has had further ripple effects across my business and led to other benefits.
3. I Don’t Feel Too Wiped Out Anymore
Writing is mentally tasking. A lot of thinking goes into producing good writing and it can leave you exhausted at the end of the day.
Previously, I’d often finish my day feeling tired. Making it worse I’d feel like I still had a mountain of work to do.
But with this method, I no longer feel this way. Instead, I end the end of the day with feelings of accomplishment and loads of energy that I channel into my next day.
I’m using this same method as I write this article.
In Conclusion
I’ll just end off by saying that I don’t plan to stop using it anytime soon and urge you to give it a try.
I’ve also tested out different time intervals between 30 and 45 mins and breaks and 50 minutes is pretty much the maximum.
Research shows that when you focus on a task for too long, your concentration drops and you’re more susceptible to distractions.
The rule is to block out a time period of 40–50 minutes when you can concentrate and do your best work.
The chances are good that you too will realize the same benefits I did and be able to grow your business much faster simply by being more productive.