Hack your brain for insane writing productivity

You’re walking down the street when suddenly, wafting through the air, you notice the irresistible scent of freshly baked donuts. It's a sensory heist, so alluring it should be outlawed. The sinful aroma doesn't just tickle your nostrils. It captivates your entire being. And lures you in with a promise of indulgent delight.

Wait, did the bakery do that on purpose? And what if I told you that this same principle could be the secret weapon in your writing arsenal?

Enter Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, and his drooling dogs. Pavlov's experiments in the 1800s showed that dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell, expecting food. This is where our journey into the realm of focused writing begins.

Ringing in the focus

Just like Pavlov did with dogs - you can actually train your brain to enter a state of flow just by hearing a sound. Well, that's the essence of the Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, an Italian university student.

This crafty technique was originally developed using a tomato-shaped kitchen timer (pomodoro means tomato in Italian). Cirillo set the timer and would study without interruptions for 25 minutes straight, followed by a 5-minute break.

And it works the same for writers - the ticking timer becomes a cue for intense focus, and the bell signals a well-deserved break. Think of it as training your brain to drool over productivity instead of pastries.

The science behind the tomato timer

A study done by the University of Illinois proves that taking short breaks can significantly enhance focus and prevent burnout. These breaks allow your mind to assimilate what you've written and give your body a chance to stretch and move.

The key is to actually take these breaks - when the timer rings, step away from your desk, let your mind wander, and maybe do a little jig. Who knows, it might just spark the idea for your next winning sales letter!

Now, keep in mind that the 25-minute focus period followed by a 5-minute break is not a rigid rule. It's more like a guideline. The beauty of the Pomodoro Technique is that you can tailor it to your attention span and needs. Maybe you're a 58-minute focus and 9-minute break kind of person. Experiment and find your perfect Pomodoro!

Pro tips for 'Pomodoro perfection'

If you’re going to do this, you need to do it right. And trust me, it pays off to plan ahead.

Let your family know about your writing time. Close the door. Shut down your phone. Eliminate all distractions. Maybe even put up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.

If you work better in silence, it’s worth it to invest in noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions. On the other hand, if you write better with some music on, then I suggest some soft-listening tunes like the ones on music for writing playlist (sample below).

The trick is finding what makes you tick

Just like Pavlov's dogs, you need to find what makes your bell ring. Maybe it's the promise of a coffee break or the satisfaction of seeing words fill up a page. The Pomodoro Technique is not just about managing time; it's about understanding and harnessing your creative rhythm.

There’s no need to chain yourself to your desk. The goal behind this technique is to train your mind to embrace productivity in short, intense bursts. It's about finding joy in the discipline of writing, much like finding joy in the anticipation of a delicious donut. So go ahead... Set your timer and let the focused creativity flow!