Set A Timer And Get More Done

The humble timer is arguably one of the simplest, most effective tools to keep us time-focused.

In the context of work or study, setting a timer…

• Provides a sense of urgency.
• Helps us work through the noise of everything else screaming for attention.
• Gives us a deadline.
• Quickens our pace to get things done.
• Helps us avoid time traps.

The timer is hardly new. I’ve certainly used them for years and am sure you have, too. 

I have fond memories of a parking timer keychain during my university days. This was of course back in the day, well before all our modern-day gadgets and smart phones. Some of you are wondering if there ever was such a time, a parallel universe perhaps.

I never used it as a parking timer. Didn’t need to. But I found it useful as a timer for my study sessions. I’d set it an hour or two at a time, and continue re-settting it non-stop for seemingly hours on end. Didn’t work so well on the nap breaks, as I recall.

That little timer definitely helped, but it could have been better. Rather, I could have used it better …If only I’d known about the “Pomodoro Technique®” back then!

A technique for the timer.

The creator, Francesco Cirillo, had similarly used a timer – a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato – to help him with his study habits. But he was more methodical in his work-to-break ratios, and developed the technique that’s become quite popular today. Check out the official site here for more information: Pomodoro Technique.

In essence, the idea is to set a timer and work concentratedly on a given task for a burst of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break of disconnected, non-work activity. A round of this cycle constitutes a ‘pomodoro®’ and at the end of 4 rounds, you take a longer 25-minute break. Then resume another 4 rounds, and so on.

Some benefits, to name a few:

• Frequent breaks help us work longer without burnout, and without dipping into energy stores.
• It’s easier to focus and get more done during segmented bursts of work.
• The combination of work-to-rest ratio pays dividends in productivity.
• It’s easier to track progress and efficiency with measured intervals.

Of course we must actually follow the method to reap the benefits. But it’s much easier to stay on course with a simple tool to help, and that’s where the timer is so effective.

A timer for the technique.

Looking back on those marathon study sessions, I can see where Francesco’s technique could have made an improved difference in how I studied with my beloved parking timer. Surely more intermittent breaks could have kept me going longer without the need to crash out for several hours at a time.

But just as a technique could have upgraded my study experience, the right timer could’ve also enhanced the technique.

Fast forward to today, and now we have best of both worlds: a practical, effective work / study method, with a choice of timer apps that support it.

Personally I use Focus Keeper : Work & Study Timer for iPhone.

The timer performs the task of keeping the work-break sequences (literally) ticking over, so all you have to do is follow the timer.

There are several out there for iOS, Android, Windows, etc. Have a browse and try out a few to see what works best for you.

Of course, if you’re tactile and prefer the feel and function of a kitchen timer, by all means use one …in fact, you can purchase an official pomodoro timer on the Pomodoro Technique website.

More than a timer. 

“Do I really need an app for this?”

You may argue that a basic timer will do, but consider how a few extra features on an app can make a difference:

• Pre-set, uniform time blocks. You won’t have to worry about keeping track of work-time intervals versus break-time, or which round you’re on. It’s all programmed in advance.
• Tap once. Start the app and it will tick away hands-free, alerting you when to stop for breaks and when to get back to work. No constant re-setting.
• It’s customisable. Set the time durations as you prefer for work-time, as well as short- and long-breaks. You can adjust if necessary while the app runs. Also, assign different screen colours and sound effects to distinguish between work and rest.
• Visual cues. At a glance, the screen colour lets you know if you’re on a work segment or a short or long break. The countdown keeps you focused and present on time remaining.
• Audio cues. There’s a variety of background sounds, from ‘wall clock’ ticking, to ‘cafe’ chatter, to ‘beach’ waves that help encourage focused work, or detached break. They can be muted, but I find them helpful.
• Time awareness. Time and again I find it fascinating how little time is needed for some tasks, and the reverse for others. The switching from work-to-break-to-work keeps you aware of the passage of time, and highlights what you’re realistically able to achieve.

Your turn.

1. Review your current work-break ratio. Could it improve?
2. Determine a suitable work-break ratio to follow. It doesn’t have to be 25-5-25. I set my timer app for 50 minutes work, 10 minutes short break, 30 minutes long break. Find what works for you.
3. With time and task ready, set your timer or timer app. Or try one if you don’t use one already.
4. Focus on your work, honour the breaks, and get more done!

Do you follow another technique, or use a different productivity tool to help?

I’d love to hear what you do, please share!