I’m intrigued about other productivity approaches and subsequently dismissed them as less than useful for me. I tried a variation before where I would time myself for 20 minute burst of productivity and check my results. This proved more of a distraction and an irritation. I also didn’t have the rest periods built into this approach.
What is working for me, I’m pleased to report, is a 90 minute burst of activity with a 10 minute break. I first heard of this from a Harvard business interview with Tony Schwartz and David Allen.
I’ve been pleased with my results after a two week effort and expect this to continue successfully for me. A significant addition to this is a timer on my iPhone that automatically resets itself by giving me notice at the 90 minute mark, and another notice at the 10 minute mark. I’ve set the timer for 8 cycles for each working day of the week, and not on the weekends.
Frequently, I’ll nap for that 10 minute interval, whenever possible. If I’m involved in something that goes beyond the 90 minutes, I allow myself to finish as quickly as I can and then take my break.
Rocky Romero
Business & Strategy Coach
