Really, Leah

Hi, Creative,  

I was standing here writing you this letter, and the word “reader” did not bode well. You are more than a chair-warmer simply consuming information, and so am I. I stood up because my body stiffened, and my eyes felt dreamy. The past few days have been topsy-turvy with numerous new things and agendas to keep. I don’t know how well I am doing. The feedback sounds good, but there is always more to learn and share, especially when utilizing technology. The good thing is that people like us thrive when we are learning. Useful information gives us a jolt and makes us stand up momentarily to spread the good things we have found. 

I have found that the Pomodoro technique helps me quickly write my first drafts. You can look it up. It is a time management tool that helps successful creatives stay focused. 

We simply set a twenty-five-minute timer and work without checking a phone, a text, or a knock at the door until the timer rings. Then, we take a five-minute break to do something unassociated with the work, like stretching, a quick exercise, or getting a refill of coffee. When the five minutes are up, we return to work for another twenty-five minutes, putting our mind and energy entirely on the task and not relenting until the timer goes off and we take another five-minute break. 

We practice doing this routine for two hours of dedicated work and three five-minute breaks. After the last twenty-five-minute block, we take an extended twenty-five-minute break. During this break, we can have lunch, take a walk, use it for a power nap, or do whatever we need to do besides work. Then, we repeat the Pomodoro technique for two more hours. In the end, we have completed four hours of sustained work. 

 If we have chosen the optimal time of day for productivity, we will experience the best four hours of work ever! 

For me, the rest of the day feels like a holiday! My mind is clear. I’m free to do all the other non-work-related things that are a part of living. The flip side—when I’m off my Pomodoro—feels like chasing the wind, trying to force square boxes into round holes. My world doesn’t flow as smoothly, and I worry and feel anxious. My health takes a hit, too.  

Again, this model helped me type my last novel in less than four months, and the book is not thin. So, this week, I encourage you to put the Pomodoro technique to work for you and let me know what you think. You can google “Pomodoro clocks” to find free ones on your computer or phone. And if you can’t carve out four hours, start with two or one hour. I can’t always do four, either, but I am always happy when I do something. I think you will be, too. 

Blessings on the work of your hands and may you stay focused on your creative work. Really,

Leah