The Pomodoro Technique

Finding Motivation in the Midst of Winter

We all struggle with motivation at times.

The winter months are long, and sometimes it feels impossible to get going. Then we berate ourselves—if time is limited, why do we resist the very things we love?

This gap between knowing what we want and feeling unable to act can drive us half mad. It's easy to feel down when momentum stalls or procrastination takes over.

I've discovered that these states of mind are essentially illusory. What I need is a trigger—something to act as a catalyst between resistance and momentum.

For me, the Pomodoro Technique has been a lifelong companion. It is the trigger.

Today's newsletter is brief because I want to convey my approach to productivity as simply as possible. I believe most productivity "systems" are just more ways to procrastinate.

My approach is entirely analogue:

No apps.
No productivity hacks.
No distractions.

All you need is a fresh sheet of paper, a marker, and a red pen.

My Process:

1. List Five Tasks: Write down five tasks on a fresh paper.

2. Set a Timer: 30 minutes per time block.

3. Eliminate Distractions: Put your phone in flight mode.

4. Follow the Order: Work through tasks sequentially.

5. Focus on One Task: Concentrate on a single task at a time.

6. Complete Before Moving On: Don't jump ahead; finish each task before starting the next.

Aim to give your best in every half-hour slot. But when you can't? Doing it is enough. That's how progress happens.

This helps me because it ritualises my approach to work. On a good day, I will experience profound flow. But, more importantly, on a bad day — it helps me make gentle progress.

My system is not about the quantity of work; it is about the quality.

Zero in on one thing at a time.
Proactively eliminate distraction.
Trigger yourself into flow.

I've just published a video outlining how I use The Pomodoro Technique in practice. Suffice to say, it's much messier than this newsletter!

Jim

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How I Use "The Pomodoro Technique"