Podcast Episode 111 — Productivity Strategy: Short-Burst Productivity

What it is, and what the drawbacks are.

Photo by Fernando Hernandez on Unsplash

Today I want to talk about a productivity strategy called short-burst productivity.

Sometimes our work tasks are really long and arduous. This can make it difficult to stay productive. This strategy might help you out.

Short-burst productivity requires you to remain hyper-focused for a specified, short period of time. During this time, you cannot acknowledge any distractions. Here’s how:

1. Make a list of everything you need to do, then set a timer for 25 minutes to start. Begin with the first item on your list. Use a physical timer, such as a kitchen timer. Having something counting down that you can see is part of what keeps you focused and on task, because it creates a sense of urgency — even if what you’re doing isn’t urgent. It also allows you to feel accomplished when it goes off.
2. When the timer goes off, take a short, 3–5 minute break to handle or address any issues that have arisen. Then set your timer for another 25 minutes.
3. Do this a total of 4 times, so that you have worked for 100 minutes, then take a 20-minute break before starting again. Please note this break is not to address any issues or other work; this means getting…