This week I have had a few conversations with creatives about task management and effective planning. (I have probably lost half of you already)
Most people I know (who are overtly creative) struggle with time management, especially those who are creative entrepreneurs who work full time or mummy 24/7.
It is so funny, in this season when people ask me what I do, I tell them ‘I’m a stay at home mum and more?’. It is always said with a smirk and a smile.
The reality is, I have all the time in the world but it is broken into small segments. Between toilet training, climbing practice, toy smashing and food championship throwing, I am running a business, a key leader in a women’s network, on the board of a creative enterprise, always writing a new book in my mind, big sister, speaker, collaborator, husband cheerleader, head chef and consultant in creativity.
I need tools for time management. I mostly use my emails to set my task lists but as my consulting business grows and more networks are created, this is not working for my new season.
I recently read an article about a time management technique called ‘POMODORO’. It was designed in the 1980’s by a man called Francesco Cirillo. You can read more about this technique here: Pomodoro Technique
It is actually quite simple and I have found it lately really effective.
Here is my modern mummy take on it:
1) Turn your phone onto silent or flight mode
2) write a list of what needs to be accomplished: tool one
3) Set your timer 25 mins (a kitchen timer, your iPhone or download an pomodoro app)
4) Close down all social media applications or windows or apps.
5) Close down your email. (mum’s put your children to bed, close the door and turn your music up.)
6) Start your timer and start task one.
7) After 25 mins, have a 5 min break. Go get a coffee, a glass of water, chat to a friend, flick onto a website/ social media something for 5 MINS ONLY!!!
8) Go to task two. Start 25 min timer again.
9) repeat 7 & 8 two more times.
The Pomodoro Technique from Pomodoro Master on Vimeo.
You will be so surprised at how much you can get done in two hours. If you work in an office setting. Block out two hours in your diary and do this process and you will be astounded at how fresh your work space will be and what you will achieve.
I have made a downloadable task managment sheet here: get stuff done
This will also help you define what you need to do in a couple of hours.
Honestly I spend so much time mucking around, to be more effective and to bring my best to the opportunities in front of me is such a good thing.
Hope this helps.
Comment below on how you go here.
Till we meet again
Amanda
