Pomodori

So where have I been all this time, Ms. Organized and Time Manager, that I've never heard of pomodoro? How I stumbled upon it was in reading about Chromodoro, a free timer that you can use on Chrome. I'm not sure it is for me, but I think I'm going to try it.

In addition, evidently I've been life hacking all my life - just didn't know the term.  I use it all the time in teaching basketry.  Ah me.  The things I learn.

Pomodoro Technique

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A "pomodoro" kitchen timer, after which the method is named

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.^[1] The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. These intervals are known as "pomodori", the plural of the Italian word pomodoro for "tomato".^[2] The method is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility.^[3][4]

Closely related to concepts such as timeboxing and iterative and incremental development used in software design, the method has been adopted in pair programming contexts.^[5]

There are five basic steps to implementing the technique:

1. Decide on the task to be done
2. Set the pomodoro timer to n minutes (traditionally 25)^[1]
3. Work on the task until the timer rings; record with an x
4. Take a short break (3-5 minutes)
5. Every four pomodori take a longer break (15–30 minutes)

The stages of planning, tracking, recording, processing and visualizing are fundamental to the technique. In the planning phase tasks are prioritized by recording them in a "To Do Today" list. This enables users to estimate the effort tasks require. As pomodori are completed, they are recorded, adding to a sense of accomplishment and providing raw data for subsequent self-observation and improvement.^[1]

For the purposes of the technique, "pomodoro" refers to the interval of time spent working.^[1] After task completion, any time remaining in the pomodoro is devoted to overlearning. Regular breaks are taken, aiding assimilation. A short (3-5 minute) rest separates consecutive pomodori. Four pomodori form a set. A longer (15-30 minute) rest is taken between sets.^[1][7]

An essential aim of the technique is to reduce the impact of internal and external interruptions on focus and flow. A pomodoro is indivisible. When interrupted during a pomodoro either the other activity must be recorded and postponed (inform – negotiate – schedule – call back) or the pomodoro must be abandoned.^[1][7][8]

Life hacking

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Life hacking refers to any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life. In other words, anything that solves an everyday problem in an inspired, ingenious manner.

Coined in the 1980s in hacker culture, the term became popularized in the blogosphere and is primarily used by computer experts who suffer from information overload or those with a playful curiosity in the ways they can accelerate their workflow in ways other than programming.