FIGHT PROCRASTRINATION WITH A POMODORO.
‘My mother always told me I wouldn’t amount to anything because I procrastinate. I said, “Just wait”. ‘
We’re all procrastinators, some less but some more. Hence, we are also the masters of pulling all-nighters. Who needs to work beforehand when we can complete the task on the night of the deadline. But this achievement is only short term. Procrastination can minimize your work efficiency, time and productivity from least to nothing. Our goals, our life, and ourselves, all can be thrown off track if we do not fight our instant gratification monkey.
For this very reason, we are going to apply “Pomodoro technique” to fight procrastination. Professor Barbara Oakley tells us about this timer technique invented by Francesco Cirillo in the early 1980s. The technique follows the following cycle:
· 25 minutes
· No interruption
· Focus
· Reward
So, I wished to complete my online course before we head out for groceries. I had two hours and I thought to apply Pomodoro. I set the timer for 25 minutes, turned the phone on silent, and began the work. When the first alarm set off, I didn’t want to break the tempo but that’s how the technique works, so I took a 5 minute break. No, I didn’t pick up my phone because 5 turns to 50 in no time then. You can resist too!
As the fourth alarm rang (two hours later), my work was surprisingly almost finished. My time, undoubtedly, was more productive as compared to what I would do normally. It was a little difficult after 2 cycles because I was tempted to take a longer break and check my cellphone, but the reward of no work after coming back home was worth the continuation.
It definitely helped me achieve more than in the past because in usual circumstances I would’ve easily fallen prey to the instant gratification monkey residing in every procrastinator’s brain. With proper attention and dedication, we can utilize our day with maximum work. As a university student, it’s common to have multiple deadlines and pretty normal to panic in the face of these deadlines. If we assign every day to certain tasks — making a to do list along with most productive times of the day when you can easily spare at least 2 hours without any distraction, can give you a better feeling of accomplishment. Make it a habit, and you will be able to manage and lead so much, that you’ll amount to anything and everything.
Till then, best of luck!
