How to Tame Monkey Mind With a Kitchen Timer 🐵⏲️🎯
Patricia Hammond 
Do you suffer from monkey mind or shiny object syndrome? Did you know adding one simple tool to your daily routine can keep you focused and productive?
Most of the time, I am the mistress of productivity. You could even say I am the queen of getting things done.
After years of trial and error, I have the perfect system for managing tasks, but now and then I lose the plot.
I don’t know why.
That’s not right. It happens because I stop following the system.
Instead of sticking with my tried-and-true time management formula, my mind wanders and I end up chasing shiny objects.
When this happens, I turn to Francesco Cirillo’s Pomodoro Technique to get me back on track.
Break out the timer
The Pomodoro Technique is my favorite method of taming monkey mind and reining in shiny object syndrome because it’s a.) simple, b.) doesn’t require learning a new system, and c.) it works.
Based on the concept that the human brain is designed to focus in short bursts, the Pomodoro Technique uses incremental steps and a kitchen timer to help you stay on task without losing track of time.
- Choose a task
- Set the timer for 25 minutes
- Take a short break
- Repeat
Instead of trying to slog through one task until it’s complete, you work for 25 minutes, then take a short break.
Stand up, stretch, walk around for 2 - 5 minutes.
This is brilliant and multi-functional.
Cirillo developed Pomodoro in 1987, long before desktop computers and the internet, but it’s also the perfect solution for anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer screen.
Besides helping you maintain effective focus, the Pomodoro Technique can help you ward off eye strain, tech neck, and all those little aches and pains that come with staring at a computer all day.
If you’re like me and have an occasional moment (day week) where your mind drifts into unproductive territory, give the Pomodoro Technique a try.
You do need to have enough discipline to step away every time the timer goes off, but with practice, you will learn how to handle those internal distractions and build a better relationship with time management.
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