Okay now that I hooked you with my super-awesome title let me clarify some things.
I’m not telling you not to work
I take no responsibility if you choose to process this information by going on a 4-hour break
I will, however, take responsibility for the increase in productivity you see after reading this post.
Okay so I’m staring at my computer screen looking at this image and I’m overwhelmed. For those who don’t know this chrome add-on, it’s called Momentum and it’s basically a in-browser organizer. Anyway, back to me blankly staring at my screen. I’m looking at this page and I’m hit with this big question, “What is your main focus for today?” Geez computer that’s a loaded question. What is everyone’s main focus in their day to day lives? Is it your main focus to reach your goal (whatever that might be)? Be the best mom, dad, son, or daughter? If you’re Bobby you’re probably going to say “My main focus for today is the Mets” and to that I’d say go Cubs. All jokes aside, can you see how this is such a big question? Now let me go into how doing nothing is going to get you somewhere.
See I hooked you again with my awesome last line!!
Moving on, I know you don’t want to take a break right now.
Why? Because you’re too busy. This post is probably one of more than a few tabs you have open on your browser or phone. Well, I’m here to help.
Introducing The Rule of 52.
Some of you might have heard of this but for those you haven’t the rule of 52 is a time management technique that has actually proven to boost productivity. This is also similar to the Pomodoro Technique, which I would recommend looking into as well.
The basics are that you work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break.
The reason why people are able to get so much work done in that 52 minutes is because they treat that time like sprints. They make the most of that 52 minutes by working with intense purpose but take the time to rest for the next burst. The break is almost as important as the burst because let’s face it, the human brain wasn’t built to work for 8 hours at a time. Try and get away from your computer and maybe walk around and grab a healthy snack but if you must stay on the computer for some reason, watch some funny animal videos or catch up on your favorite sports team. Studies have proven that watching cute animal videos can lead to productivity.
Think of your concentration as a muscle: It needs to rest to be able to function, and it shouldn’t be overworked.
If 17 minutes every hour feels like too much (to you or your boss) consider just taking five or 10 minutes every hour and seeing what effect it has. The results could surprise you.
So I only have one question, What is your main focus today?
Cheers
Nick
Online Marketing Intern