[markshead]

I have a 7-minute sand timer I picked up for a few dollars. Whenever there is a task I keep putting off, I'll commit to doing the task at least until the timer runs out. It probably sounds silly, but it really helps me get things done that I'd avoid otherwise.

[dgudkov]

>Whenever there is a task I keep putting off, I'll commit to doing the task at least until the timer runs out.

This does work. I noticed that when I force myself to spend only a few minutes to get an overall idea how I would solve a task I keep putting off -- after a few minutes of contemplating I suddenly get inspiration to have it finally done.

[harrisi]

How often do you find yourself either keeping to that seven minute limit or going past it? Also, do you flip it over at the end if you go past the seven minutes? How do you decide when to start it?

[markshead]

I don't flip it over. Usually I'll go beyond the timer for some period of time because once I get some momentum on a task, I'll want to finish it up. I also use it to timebox activities that can consume the entire day. For example, if my office starts getting messy I may decide I want to spend 7 minutes a day just straightening things and organizing. In that situation, it becomes more of a notification of when to stop and get back to other work.

[mixmastamyk]

Yes, getting started is the hardest part.

[NicoJuicy]

You should try pomodoro ;)

[markshead]

I have. It is interesting but didn't really stick for me when I tried it. I've found some techniques that didn't work well in one period of my life work incredibly well in a different period when I'm working on different types of tasks, so I should try it again sometime.