I’m a big advocate of the Pomodoro (tomato, in Italian) Method for writing. It’s called “Pomodoro” because its inventor used a tomato timer to put it to use. Fun fact: I also use a tomato timer.
It helps you keep energy levels high and “forcing” you to take regular breaks. Breaks are super important! This revolutionary time management system is deceptively simple to learn, but life-changing when applied correctly. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
- Choose a task (one task at a time only)
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Work on your task until the timer rings, then put a checkmark on a tracker
- Take a five-minute break — you just completed your first “Pomodoro”
- Repeat steps 1 to 4 three more times, followed by a 15-minute break
By utilizing this technique, you can get more done in less time, while keeping energy levels more stable and reducing the chance of burnout.