Transformation Tuesday #25: the Pomodoro Technique

Before I started organizing professionally, my brother asked me a question about how long it took me to make frosting. Seems random, but my sister-and-law and I do quite a bit of baking and he wanted to know how long it takes to bake, whip, frost, assemble.

I started timing how long it took to make Italian Meringue buttercream versus a classic American buttercream, which cake recipes had fewer ingredients so I could whip them up more quickly and be more efficient (and enjoy baked goods that much sooner!).

This got me thinking about everyday tasks, how much time I think it takes to complete versus how much time they actually take to do. I was telling a friend about this and she asked if I had heard of the Pomodoro Technique. I immediately looked it up and have started using it when I feel like I don't have enough to clean my house or I need to accomplish several admin to do's related to my business.

It makes the laundry list of chores, responding to the emails, accounting for receipts less daunting. How, you ask?

  1. I now know exactly how long it takes to complete certain chores:

    • 2.5 minutes to make the bed (queen)

    • 4.5 minutes to change the sheets and make the bed

    • 7 minutes to unload the dishwasher

  2. As a result of #1, my attitude has shifted and helped me complete said chores quickly (no longer complaining about how long it takes to put fresh sheets on the bed - I can spare five minutes). I find that I'm not putting them off because I know they don't take much time at all.

  3. I'm more focused and efficient in accomplishing tasks. By using the timer and working only on one task at a time, I'm not going down the internet rabbit hole, getting distracted by an article, emails that pop up, or anything else. 

Here's a look into the power of the Pomodoro:

 
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spruce-with-rachel-kitchen-before-pomodoro.jpg
 
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Not only did I clear out the kitchen, entry way, and bedroom, but I checked off a few action items with emails, website updates, and updating invoices in my accounting software.

I'd love to hear about your favorite time management techniques - let me know in the comments below!

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Transformation Tuesday #26: Hall Closet

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