How to Double Your Productivity in Three Easy Steps

And get your time back too.

Many tasks such as writing require deep work and focus. But, in this digital age, it’s harder than ever to sit still long enough to create quality work. These three techniques help me focus so that I can create even when my mind is all over the place.

Pomodoro method

If you haven’t heard of the Pomodoro method, I will gladly tell you about it. This was a game-changer for me and helps me produce great work while taking frequent breaks. The Pomodoro Method named after retro tomato kitchen timers is when you work in intervals and rest in between.

All you need is a timer to get started. Set your timer for 25 minutes and work on one specific task until the timer goes off. Once the time is up, set a second alarm for five minutes. This is your first break when you can check your phone, use the bathroom, or stretch. When this timer stops it’s time to get working again for another 25-minute interval. This time switch the task to something completely different. Then take another 5-minute break once you finish.

Repeat this process by switching tasks during each Pomodoro and taking breaks in between. After completing four rounds of work-rest sessions or pomodoros, you are allowed an hour-long break.

You’d be surprised at how much you can get done within just 25 minutes of uninterrupted focus.

Whenever I’m antsy or feeling overwhelmed by a mounting to-do list I employ this technique. It works like a charm every time because it helps me switch tasks and gives me very little time to procrastinate.

Know your limits

Are you teetering on the edge of burnout?

Take a break. Meditate. Sit still. Breathe. This could help if you’re facing writer's anxiety or are just feeling particularly antsy.

I find that going for a walk does wonders for my creativity. I always feel less stressed after walking and get back home with dozens of ideas.

Give yourself time to ease into your writing and then get it done.

You’ll feel refreshed and will probably have a much better attitude when it’s time to get back to work. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest.

Eliminate distractions

Put your phone in another room. Unplug your TV if you have to. Turn off your Wi-Fi if you’re typing on a computer. These are all ways to pull the plug. I mention these three devices specifically because screen time is probably one of the biggest ways people waste time. If you’re struggling to cut down your screen time this blog post will help you be more mindful of how much you’re using screens and help you eliminate digital distractions.

There are so many distractions in this digital age but we have to be in control of our environment and take our lives into our own hands. The three techniques I laid out in this post can help you be more focused despite those distractions.

Here’s a quick recap:

1. Use the Pomodoro method to work in short bursts and take frequent breaks in between tasks.
2. Take breaks when you need them to avoid burnout and interruptions in your schedule.
3. Avoid distractions as much as possible. Delete your social media apps if you have to, put your phone on mute or turn off your internet to help you make the most out of your time.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. What will you do with them?