Tuesday, December 3, 2013

12 Days of Apps: TIMER

Welcome to the 12 Days of Apps from Envision Success Inc!  We are reviewing 12 apps this month that we like, and that help our clients, friends, and colleagues be more productive.  

The first is an indispensable product!  Fortunately this is a piece of hardware (or software) that everyone has, either around the house, on their mobile device, and easily accessible at their nearby Target or grocery store:

A Timer
As in, a standard kitchen/household timer...  Yep, this is a critical tool for getting the most focus when you really need it. 
It's also wonderful to use as part of a daily routine to get the most important tasks done, especially when you do not feel like it.  The technique I most recommend to clients (and use myself) is to get prepped, set the timer, and go to work.  Let's break it down in case you're struggling with the deceptive simplicity:

Prepare
I recommend using the bathroom, getting the beverage refilled, determining the amount of time best for the task at hand, setting a notepad and pen to the side, then turning the phone to "silent" mode, and settling into your workspace.

Set the Timer
Depending on the task, scenario, calendar, and energy level, select the appropriate amount of time.  When in doubt, my advice is to set the timer for 20 minutes. You may wish to work up to 90 minutes at a time with short breaks in between.

Get Stuff Done
Focus on completing the task while the timer is counting down.  If/when other thoughts pop up, make a note, then get refocused quickly.  You will be amazed at how effective this is.


Why This is Effective
In my opinion, this works well for three primary reasons among others: 1) it is a short enough amount of time to be actually achieved, 2) your setting the timer essentially means you have given yourself permission to focus on the 1 main thing, and 3) the countdown creates a sense of urgency.

Try it today, and please let me know how it went!

To your continued success,
Heather A Legge
www.EnvisionSuccessInc.com

No comments:

Post a Comment