Can you be lazy
and still get things done? Easy. Read on to find out how a lazy man
is getting things done without failure.
Here combines the
Pomodoro Technique and the 80/20 Rule - coming to the
rescue of lazy men everywhere.
Laziness doesn't
exist. What exists is a lack of systematic planning of what needs to
be done.
Pomodoro Technique
helps you split your big tasks into several small tasks.
World-renowned 80-20 Principle will help you achieve a lot without
burnouts. Here we go.
Pomodoro
Technique – You work on a specific task for 25 minutes
straight, then take a 5-minute break. After the 5-minute break, you
start once again.
Every fourth break
is a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
The frequent breaks
keeps your mental energy high. Our mental energy and agility are high
for short periods of time.
The timed 5-minute
breaks will recharge our brains. After the break, your mental energy
will be high. You are ready to take on the next task. Or the next
part of the existing task.
Without these
breaks, your mental agility will start draining after 45 minutes. At
the end of the day, you will be more tired, but achieve less than
those people who take these breaks.
Additionally, people
who take those breaks will still be high on energy, even after
completing all their tasks.
Keep Distractions
Away
In your 25 minutes,
you work continuously without any break. Without any distractions.
The main
distractions are: Email, Social Media and Phone
Solution: Close the
email program. Close the web browser. Keep the phone in silent mode.
Also avoid people
distractions: There will also be people distracting you at the
work place. Let your co-workers know you don't want to be disturbed.
And hang a do-not-disturb sign at your workplace.
For Best Results:
Clearly write down
what task you are taking in each 25-minute slot. Then work on that
specific task only. Don't let other emergencies to come in.
If it is writing an
article, keep the word processor opened. Close all other windows. And
type as fast as you can for 25 minutes. Writing should be the only
task you are doing.
Adding the 80/20
Principle
Your work needs only
80% perfection. If you aim for 100% perfection, it will drain your
energy. However, if you aim for 80% perfection, you can start your
assignments fast.
Step 1: Fast forward
your assignment to 80% completion. Check your work. Are you
satisfied? If yes, stop. If not, go to step 2.
Step 2: Work on the
remaining 20% perfection. Add 80% of the 20% remaining. Are you
satisfied? Yes, stop. No, repeat step 2 as many times as needed.
Why 80%
Perfection and Not 100%
Because 80% is
achievable and 100% is a mirage.
Getting things done
is rewarding. Working endlessly on a project is mentally and
emotionally draining.
When you make it 80%
perfect, in most cases it is good enough. If that is not, you can
always add another 80% until your work is good enough.
Photo credit: sima dimitric
