Due to any number of reasons, there are some days when we have more focus than others. On those days, it’s harder to pay attention to the task(s) at hand. It’s normal, and it happens to everyone.

There are a few techniques you can use to help keep you on task and productive. Each of these techniques require two things: a timer (like a timer or countdown clock on your cellphone) and a break. Breaks can include getting up to stretch, reading your email, getting a refill on your water bottle.

The list below are three techniques with various working/break periods. For full details on how to do the Pomodoro or the (10+2) * 5, click on the links. The FlyLady link will take you to her home “crisis cleaning” technique, but it gives you the feel for the technique.

Each technique starts with a task list, and of course, a timer device.

• The Pomodoro Technique – Four sets of 25-minute work sessions, with a short five minute break. After the four sets, reward yourself with a longer break break. A complete cycle is 100 minutes or more, depending on
  the length of your breaks are.
• 43 Folders: (10+2)*5 – Five sets of 10-minute work session with a two-minute break after each 10-minute session. In each new 10 minute session, you’ll start on a new task in your task
  list. A complete cycle is 60 minutes.
• FlyLady: You can do anything for 15 minutes – You’ll work three 15-minute sessions, then break for 15 minutes. In each new 15-minute session, you’ll start a new task on your task list. A complete cycle is 60 minutes.

These techniques do work! I used the FlyLady technique to research and write my grad school papers. I still use it at work when I have to blast through a pile of writing.

The key to all of these techniques is knowing that you have a break coming — it’s the proverbial carrot in front of the stick. The break is our reward for sticking to a task (or set of tasks). The break must be taken, otherwise it ruins the impact of the short burst/reward effect of the technique.

Next time you have “one of those days”, consider trying one of these techniques to help you stay focused.