Business Finds

How It Works

All you do is tell yourself that you’re going to work on a particular task or project for only 15 minutes. You can work longer if you feel like it, but you won’t worry about that until your initial 15 minutes are up. Only after you’ve completed those first 15 minutes will you even think about working longer.

Prepare your environment in advance. Set out all the materials you’ll need to work on your task for 15 minutes. Do what’s necessary to make sure you won’t be interrupted during that time. This is very important.

When you begin your 15 minutes, do nothing but the task at hand. Don’t get up for any reason. If you’re working on your computer, don’t open any applications but the essential ones. If the phone rings, let it go to voicemail. If a text message comes in, let it wait. Don’t even think about checking your email or Facebook. If someone pops in and asks, “Do you have a minute?” tell them to come back when your 15 minutes are up (or later).

For those 15 minutes only, commit to not distracting yourself in any way. Focus single-mindedly on the task at hand.

Work quickly during this time. Focus on speed. Try to make as much progress on your task as humanly possible. If distracting thoughts come up, say to yourself, “Focus! Focus! Focus!” Then ask yourself, “What’s the very next step?”

Put some kind of clock or timer in front of you, so you can see the minutes counting down. It’s important to create a sense of time pressure. Know that you aren’t swimming in time — you only have 15 minutes here. The time will pass quickly. I use a digital kitchen timer that counts down and sounds an alarm when the time is up.

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Chunking Time by Business Finds