This simple tool works like magic when you need to have focus and get stuff done!
This little gem is a priceless partner in the war on procrastination! Everyone has at least one already, plus they are easy to find and use. It is a seriously effective product you can use to get focused and get work done quickly.
Yep, it’s a Timer! Uh-huh, I mean a standard kitchen or household timer…or you can use the one that’s built into your mobile phone/tablet.
Using a timer with the following technique to get you into The Focus Zone can be a useful part of a daily routine to get your most important tasks done, especially when you do NOT feel like it. Or you can keep it in your “just in case” arsenal for when you really need to hit it.
The process I most recommend to clients (and use myself) is to get yourself prepped, set the timer, and go to work. Let’s break it down in case you’re prone to being misled by its deceptive simplicity:
Get Ready
Get all the usual distractions out of the way first: use the bathroom, refill your beverage, have a pen and notepad off to the side, turn off your computer notifications/close email & Facebook, turn your phone to silent and face down…
Get all the usual distractions out of the way first: use the bathroom, refill your beverage, have a pen and notepad off to the side, turn off your computer notifications/close email & Facebook, turn your phone to silent and face down…
Set the Timer
Depending on the task, scenario, calendar, and energy level, select the appropriate amount of time. When in doubt, my advice is to set the timer for 20 minutes. Definitely go for less time than you think you need. This is not about creating something perfect- this is “get shit done mode” time.
Depending on the task, scenario, calendar, and energy level, select the appropriate amount of time. When in doubt, my advice is to set the timer for 20 minutes. Definitely go for less time than you think you need. This is not about creating something perfect- this is “get shit done mode” time.
Note: Masters can work up to 90 minutes at a time with short breaks in between to flow with our natural human energy rhythms (recommended reading on this: Tony Schwartz’s The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working).
Get Work Done
Focus ONLY on completing the task while the timer is counting down. If/when other thoughts pop up, make a note off to the side, but don’t allow yourself to be sucked into the trap of trying to complete anything else during this time—stay focused on the task at hand as much as possible! You may just be amazed at how effective this is.
Focus ONLY on completing the task while the timer is counting down. If/when other thoughts pop up, make a note off to the side, but don’t allow yourself to be sucked into the trap of trying to complete anything else during this time—stay focused on the task at hand as much as possible! You may just be amazed at how effective this is.
Still procrastinating that thing? Use a tool you already have and try this priceless technique right now!
Why This Works
In my experience, this works well for three main reasons (among others):
- It is a reasonable amount of time to actually get something done (even via smaller chunks)
- By setting the timer, you’re giving yourself permission to focus on ONE thing (often feels impossible without making this deal with yourself)
- The countdown creates a race against the clock, a sense of urgency (that is often missing otherwise)
Share with me your RESULTS from using this: I want to hear about your challenging task, and how you used this to get it done! Brag up your badass moment in the blog comments below.
hugs, Heather
This simple tool works like magic when you need to get focused and get stuff done!