Instant Focus

My favorite trick for getting a lot done in a short amount of time is using a timer. It’s deceptively simple, but remarkably effective. Using a timer allows you to choose a duration of time, so you can fully get lost in focus on your chosen task, and then have an alarm let you know when you’re done. I use timers almost every day. I’ve been doing this at work and home for years and years, because it increases my productivity, engagement, and flow! I highly recommend using a timer if you don’t already.

I’m using a timer right now as I write this blog article. I want to finish this blog faster than usual, in just 1 hour while my son is napping. During this hour, I’ll set my timer 3 times: for 30 minutes, then 20 minutes, then 10 minutes. That way I’ll be able to track my progress and adjust my speed and approach each time the alarm sounds.

I like to play with productivity approaches like this, because it helps me get motivated, avoid procrastination, and make progress on daunting projects. Sometimes I’ll give myself a small reward when the time’s up. I’m constantly toying with ways to get the best out of myself. A timer can snap you into focus in a world full of distraction.

In this article, I’ll explain how using a timer can maximize effectiveness at work, home, and hobbies. I’ll explain how I use a timer personally, and hopefully my experience will spark some ideas you can use yourself.

Work

I work a full-time inside medical sales job. Every day at the office, I consider the big goals I’m trying to accomplish and plan my day on paper using my work daily routine. I divide my day into four parts, broken up by walk breaks and lunch. During each of these four blocks of time, I commit to what I call a “focus block,” where I set timer, put my metaphorical horse blinders on, and focus fully on the task at hand. Usually each focus block is 60-90 minutes long. Of course, I do additional work outside my focus blocks, but I allow my focus to loosen up a bit. I originally learned about the concept of focus blocks from blogger Steve Pavlina.

I generally use the timer on my cell phone. I set the volume low, and turn it off quickly, so I don’t disturb my co-workers.

Many of the projects I do at work are complex, challenging, and intimidating in a way. So it helps me to know I only have to maintain total focus for a limited time during each focus block. When the time’s up, I’ll allow myself to shift gears or sometimes reward myself with something small, like a cup of green tea. But oftentimes, when the timer sounds, I’m so engrossed in what I’m doing, I’ll continue to go with the flow, and make additional progress on that task.

Of course, I maintain flexibility, so I can meet the demands of the job as needed. For example, if my colleagues need me for an impromptu meeting or if an urgent project materializes, I’ll shift my focus blocks or ditch them altogether. And some days require sustained calm focus for much longer stretches of time. Part of the power of using a timer and focus blocks, on demand, is that they are flexible and totally within my control.

Home

I’m not a giant fan of housework, and I’m constantly trying to find ways to propel myself to get boring chores done. I’ve found timers to be extremely helpful when it comes to facing domestic dirty work.

Almost 10 years ago, I stumbled across the home organization guru FlyLady, Marla Cilley. She suggests using timers while cleaning or organizing your home. She says “you can do anything for 15 minutes,” such as clean your kitchen, put away laundry, or clean off the bathroom counter. I think she’s right, and I often put on an audiobook, and set my timer as I dive into some housework. I think it helps me psychologically to know that the unpleasant task at hand has a time limit.

I have also used a timer to help me relax. I’m a fairly tightly wound person. So sometimes I’ll use a timer to give myself permission to chill out and relax for an hour. Knowing that a timer will sound after an hour helps me really unwind and get lost in the moment. I also use a timer when doing heart rate variability training as meditative practice, because I’m generally aiming for 10 minutes.

Hobbies

The main hobby I use a timer for is blogging. I have a busy life with work, housekeeping, my husband, my son, and everything else, so I have limited time for this blogging hobby that I deeply enjoy. So I try to use my time efficiently to write blog articles, take blog photos, and post them online.

I usually squeeze in time to work on my blog early in the morning, during lunch at work, or when my son is napping. All those times are limited in duration, so I have to leap to action when I get the chance and make the most of the minutes. I usually set a goal for what I want to get done and set a timer for 30 or 60 minutes and dive in. A blogging mentor of mine recently suggested that I start tracking my blogging time, so I’m doing that now too in a very simple way. I’m just writing the dates and minutes spent into the notes in my cell phone.

Later this month, I’ll be writing the first draft of a short book over the course of a week I’ll have off work. I’m a bit overwhelmed by my own goal. During that week, I’ll be using my trusty timer and work daily routine to keep myself on track. I’ll use the same focus blocks that I described above in the work section of this article. In anticipation of my week of writing, I’ve been preparing with research, idea generation, and organization, for a timed 30 minutes minimum per day.

Satisfactory Progress

Well I have to admit, it took me about 2 hours to write, revise, and add the photo to this blog. Not just 1 hour, like I was hoping. Full disclosure. I don’t always meet my goals. But by using a timer, I often do meet my goals, more often than not. And when I don’t, at least I make better progress than I would otherwise.

Thank you for reading! I wish you focus, productivity, and effectiveness in your own endeavors.

Next Week: Happy Just Because – My Thoughts on the Good Life