Timeboxing
Timeboxing is a technique for limiting the amount of time you allot yourself to accomplish a specific task. The goal of timeboxing is to create artificial limitations and urgency, which then translate into intensified focus and increased productivity.
For example, I’ve created a timebox of 15 minutes to write, edit, and publish this post. If I’m not done at the end of the 15 minutes, I’ll either give myself another smaller amount of time (usually 5 minute increments) or switch to another task if I’m at a stopping point and need to change focus.
I use Minutes to keep time and alert me when my time is up, but there are plenty of apps available for both desktop and mobile. If you’re interested in something more rigid for timeboxing, you might want to give the Pomodoro Technique a try; a system based on 25 minute intervals with 5 minute breaks.
Timeboxing is useful for creating uninterruptible moments for focusing on a single task. It’s also a handy way to keep track of how much time you’re spending on various tasks, like say if you’re a freelancer that bills hourly.
I used timeboxing in college to help me work my way through lots of different types of homework that would have otherwise been difficult to organize and execute on. I use it now as a consultant to stay focused on a single client’s needs and not be pulled to other projects that might be calling for my attention.
