[fmilne]

Definitely had a similar experience When I was still working from home. Working for 30-45 minutes and then play video games, work out, and even just clean the apartment.

A tea timer by your desk is a great way to approach this at work, personally I find 15 - 20 minutes of work 5 minutes of procrastinating is good balance.

[jschulenklopper]

Perhaps without realizing that, but essentially you've just described the Pomodoro Technique, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique :-)

It was also my technique for studying for exams through university: 45 minutes of focussed study, followed by a 15 minute break for tea, lunch or fun things. After six of those, I could stop knowing that I had a day well spent. (And as a bonus, I mastered 3-ball juggling after my Algebra-I exam ;-)

[javindo]

) ... sorry

[bobisme]

Thanks, I was wondering why this page wouldn't compile.

[jschulenklopper]

No, no, doesn't matter. I was just making you aware that your technique also had a name.

[Valid]

They were just closing the open parenthesis, which cannot be closed with a smiley face. I actually appreciated your contribution, I've heard of that technique before, and remembered it when reading, but couldn't recall the name, so thanks :)

[celwell]

no, because pomodoro is when you have defined task that can completed in the allotted time.

[jschulenklopper]

Well, although that rule could be useful, it is not part of the technique.

For proof, read the official description on Pomodoro, e.g. on http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/download/pdf/ThePomodoroTec.... You'll see (page 6-7) that after a first 'Pomodoro' (unit of time) work on the same task can continue into a second or third pomodoro.