Thoughts on Time Management

Time management is always a topic that comes up in discussion and contemplation for me. The question is always, “how to manage one’s time effectively?” We all can agree it requires a multi-faceted approach. It requires planning, prioritization, documentation, reminders, logging, and scheduling. What about being effective with that time? If we’ve done the work of knowing what we should be doing and when, how do we actually get the work done?

When I was working towards my undergrad many years ago, fresh out of high school, I found myself having trouble getting my work done on time and was spending too many evening nights cramming for exams and writing papers at the last minute. The overwhelmed feeling compounded from the backlog of work and would snowball upon itself. I realized I needed a better way to deal with how I managed my time.

I came across the Pomodoro Technique off-hand and was intrigued by it. The idea was that you would set a timer and work the entire time during that period, then for a short break you would get up, stretch, use the restroom if needed, and then reset the timer and work again. The period was usually 25 minute increments with 5 minute increment shoulder time. The Pomodoro name itself came from the timer that was used, which was shaped like a tomato. I didn’t have a tomato shaped timer at the time, but I did have a digital alarm clock and I would use it to break down my segments. I have used the technique ever since to get me out of trouble.

Although I do more time-boxing now, working until I get to resolution or a stopping point, I still use Pomodoro for those stick problems that require a lot of deep work, especially if I am having trouble focusing. Overstimulation comes to me, as it does many, especially when there is a lot of interesting and deeply challenging tasks I am working on with a deadline. The Pomodoro Technique allows me to get into a groove and start work and stay on it. I even have a small device dedicated to it I purchased from Amazon I pull out when needed and it is very helpful.

So, although the Pomodoro is admittedly long in the tooth as it comes to time management techniques, it is still none-the-less exceptionally helpful.