For me, creating picapix puzzles and promoting them requires a great deal of time management and productivity.  As I write this newsletter, I am basically doing an experiment.  I have set my kitchen timer for 25 minutes.  This is what the Pomodoro Technique teaches to help you work with time, instead of struggling against it.  It seems deceptively simple and hopefully for me, life-changing to use.  I will work on my single task of preparing this newsletter until the timer buzzes, and then take a 5-10 minute break.  Upon completion of said task, I will put a checkmark on my day-per-page notebook where I keep track of my work-related activities.  After the short break, I will set the timer again and continue with the unfinished task or tackle another one, ie. catching up with emails.  According to the research, there are many benefits to this technique.  First of all, it could realistically eliminate burnout and the “running on fumes” feeling we often have.  It will help you manage distractions by your prioritizing the level of importance of things.  You will become more aware of the unproductive “stuff” that isn’t helping you get your real work done.  Most of the time, that call or Facebook message can wait.  By concentrating on the most important tasks you will stand a better chance of accomplishing your work goals.  I have an issue with procrastination and the guilt about it, but when I feel like I’ve been productive with my day, then I truly enjoy my free time.  Another benefit of the Pomodoro Technique is the reduction of back and neck pain for desk workers, by walking around during your break time.  For writers and creative people, it will increase your motivation and you will be able to keep track of your brainstorming time, allowing you to discover better results.  Obviously it will help others as well, from lawyers, developers, directors, parents, students, teachers, managers, etc.  Oh, there goes my timer.  I have writtten almost a page of notes and feel proud of my efforts.  Yeah, I get a checkmark!  I really think this might just work for me.  What are your thoughts?

I hope you have learned something from this newsletter, something that you can take into your own life and see improvement with your time management.  Enjoy the new challenging puzzle, click on the pdf for 9. Headdress.  It’s one of my favorites!

Sincerely,

Diane Baher