A time and priority management book written by a computer programmer?
I almost fell asleep even writing that sentence.
But alas, the book I thought would hit the boredom continuum between a Walmart parking lot and TV golf commentary ended up changing my life.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The specific book I read was The Pomodoro Technique Illustrated: The Easy Way to Do More in Less Time by Staffan Noteberg.
I began to practice the technique before I even finished the book. I would set my timer for 25 minutes, make a note whenever my brain got distracted, and then get back to my task. After practicing this method for one month, I went from 20 distractions in 25 minutes to 4 distractions in 25 minutes. From 20 to 4 distractions. That is an 80% improvement in focus! For me, practicing this method was like taking a vitamin I had been deficient in for years.
Each of the seven chapters of Stephan’s book has several sections that are brief enough to read while sitting on the toilet. What’s more, there is a picture on every single page.
Here are the seven chapters, their main ideas and some brief notes about my experience:
1. One Activity at a Time. The idea that it is more productive to do one thing at a time is an advanced concept for me! After giving up multi-tasking, I can now start and finish tasks with enjoyment and focus.
