Edgar out on one of his many walks in the yard.

There is a Zen saying,

Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water,

after Enlightenment, chop wood carry water.

Edgar, our new dog, once he reaches enlightenment- figuring out that he must pee and poo outside- will still require walks around the yard on a very consistent basis. How am I going to get everything done that I need to get done now that I’ve got to spend my time walking this pup?

To make sure I work smarter and to make sure the dog doesn’t poop inside, I’m now utilizing the Focus Booster app on my computer.  This app utilizes the Pomodoro Technique: a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980’s. It can be used for any kind of task and enables you to view time as a valuable ally in accomplishing what you want to do.  The technique uses a timer to break down periods of work into 25-minute intervals (referred to as “pomodoros”) separated by breaks and is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility.

We all have the same 24 hours in each day. By keeping closer tabs on my time and taking regular breaks outside, I hope to get more done with less stress.

What do you do to manage your time?