Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique ®?
Pomo-what? Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The Pomodoro Technique ® is centered around the idea of using a tomato timer to get things done. What does that have to do with organizing, you ask? It’s all about efficiency and productivity.
I use this approach often when I’m working on huge, overwhelming decluttering and organizing projects. It’s a simple yet effective approach you can use to stay on track while working on any big project, not just organizing. This time management technique was credited by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.
It’s as simple as setting a timer for 25 minutes and getting as much done as you can within that time frame.
The Genius Behind This Technique
The genius part is that you HAVE to take a short break (about 15-20 minutes) when the timer goes off. Drink a cup of tea, stretch, take a power nap, anything relaxing. During your short break you cannot do anything related to the organizing project. The breaks are where you gain momentum because you recharge and regain energy.
After your break, set the timer for another 25 minutes and get back to organizing. The short bursts of work with systematic breaks keep you from burning out too quickly. Less burn-out means you’ll be more likely to finish your project in a timely manner (no pun intended).
Sometimes, being too rigid with the timer will stop a good work flow, so if the timer goes off and you are in a productive zone I say keep on going! However, at the very first sign of fatigue or frustration, stop! Take a breather and come back after a 15-20 minute break.
Pom-Rounds Help You Avoid Burnout
I prefer to limit myself to no more than 4 timed-sessions a day. Remember, organizing is not a do or die situation. If you don’t get your organizing project done in one day that’s OK! Doing too much in one day will cause burn out and failure.
It took me an entire month to get my garage decluttered and organized because I was pacing myself. I set reasonable goals, set a timer while I worked, took breaks and got the job done without getting overwhelmed.
With the Pomodoro Technique ® you can declutter, destress and simplify in short, manageable bursts.
