What is your go-to tool or method that helps you ensure a clear focus in your work with consistent results? I have been using a 10-minute micro-sprint for several years. It is the shortest sprint of work I have found to be productive. This simple method has become one of my most reliable productivity hacks in both my professional and personal work.
Productivity Hack – The 10-Minute Micro-Sprint at Work
First, I work in the software industry and am familiar with Agile software development practices, and sprints are one of the methods. A sprint is an iteration or timebox of work, a fixed period of time dedicated to a specific task or work item. The goal is to be single-focused on getting the job completed before moving on to the next task. In the software industry, a sprint is usually two weeks in length.
Second, other time management methodologies use timeboxing or sprints to increase productivity. The Pomodoro Technique is one of those tools. It is using a timer to break down work into focused intervals around 25 minutes. I use a timer at work and leverage this technique throughout my day.
Finally, the 10-minute micro sprint is a short burst of work time, focusing on one task, free of distractions. The purpose is to re-charge and re-energize your intent and productivity.
For example, I use the micro-sprint at work to take a break and clear my head, especially on days when the workload and meetings feel non-stop or when I feel fatigued in the afternoon. I set a timer for 10 minutes to do either deep breathing exercises, meditation, stretching, a quick walk or reading something related to my field. I stay focused during that 10-minute interval. Once the time is up, I move on to something else.
Other times I utilize the micro-sprint when I have a short break between meetings, and I seek out those tasks that fit the short duration. The micro-sprint is a helpful productivity hack, especially in the mid-afternoon or right after lunch. This 10-minute sprint generates energy to keep going in the mental work needed throughout the day.
Productivity Hack – The 10-Minute Micro-Sprint at Home
Both at work and home, we may feel overwhelmed by the enormity of our project list, to-do list, or hell, get something done, anything list. Sometimes we think we have to do the work during large chunks of time (e.g., several hours), and we are frustrated because we cannot find a significant amount of time in our calendar to get the big stuff done.
One option is to break the work into micro-chunks to either get the action started or experience a small victory by completing a task. Go after the smaller opportunities of time rather than trying to do it all in an hour or more. Be amazed at what you can accomplish in 10-minute increments of time. There are a lot more of those segments throughout the day than hourly or half-hourly time frames.
My Daily Micro-Sprint
Two years ago, I made a commitment to write every day and have not missed a day. I use a dedicated timer both at home and work, and set a time to write, non-stop for 10 minutes. I don’t use my phone for a timer unless I have to. My phone can quickly become a distraction. Some days I write more than 10 minutes, but the 10-minute micro-sprint is the minimum of what I write every day.
For my writing sprint, sometimes I write with an idea or topic in mind. Most other times, I write what I call “brain ramblings and dumplings” – a brain dump of thoughts I have on my mind at the time of the sprint. I also track the words I write daily, both in the sprint and extended writing time.
Writing for 10 minutes may not seem like a lot of words. In my writing sprint, I average about 425 words in 10 minutes. Four hundred twenty-five words a day for a year equals about 155,125 words. The average non-fiction book is between 60,000 – 80,000 words. The daily writing sprints alone hold more than enough words for a book or two.
Productivity Hack – The 10-Minute Micro-Sprint Working Remotely
During this time, when we are working remotely, I rely on the 10-minute micro-sprint to help me stay on task. My work space at home, a desk in a room that we converted to a study, is not my usual work environment. Plus, there are plenty more distractions and interruptions at home than in the office. Setting a timer for 10 minutes to meditate, read, or write non-stop helps keep the creative energy moving in the same direction for my work that day.
Summary
With this 10-minute micro-sprint in mind, think about your method of productivity and the things you do in life. What helps you stay energized and focused on your work? How do you “get it all done,” so to speak? What helps you have an experience of “enough” in your day (I made time to do what I needed to do) versus a stressful moment of “scarcity” (I am so overwhelmed I don’t know what to do next)?
Ten minutes does not seem like a long time in the grand scheme of the clock. Yet, a brief, uninterrupted time of work goes a long way.
A micro-sprint is a dedicated, focused time of doing one task. Be all in on one effort. Progress is made in the small steps, in the consistent chipping away at the work that you need to do.
Your Turn
What are your thoughts? What productivity hack works for you?
Comments always welcome.
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