How to use Personal Productivity Timer
Personal Productivity Timer (PPT) is essentially a dual count down timer in which the durations of the two timers can be set independently of each other, and where the two timers run sequentially one after the other. As the one timer times out, it automatically starts the other timer.
Using the timer in this way enables knowledge workers to employ several well established techniques that can be easily and immediately applied to boost personal productivity and motivation, and overcome tendencies to procrastination.
Quick Start Help
The primary technique is to alternate periods of intense concentration with periods of rest. Over the centuries educators have established that the best way to structure the day in order to maintain concentration is to have lesson periods of 30 to 60 minutes separated by short breaks of a few minutes. When we leave school or college we forget this time honored technique, but it has been shown to be an excellent way for knowledge workers to make the most of their day. PPT allows you to set the work and rest durations, and will give you a signal at the end of each period.
The PPT timer can stay visible in the corner of your computer screen as a constant reminder that time is ticking away, but also as a promise that you will be rewarded with a break at a definite point in time.
Another very useful technique is time boxing. When a project or task is simply too complex or too vast for us to visualize ever finishing it we become discouraged from even starting. By defining a "Time box" of definite length (say 30 minutes) we can decide to work for that given period only, and not worry about what we achieve in that period. This allows us to actually take the first step towards achieving the goal, and it is always this first step that is the most difficult. Once the project is begun, it is much easier to continue working on it.
The controls for PPT are very intuitive and easy to use. See this screenshot for a description of the controls.
More Detailed Help
You can read more detailed discussion of these techniques by clicking on the links below:
Try Personal Productivity Timer for free
Download and test the trial version to see for yourself how it boosts your productivity, and increases the pleasure and satisfaction you get from a job well done. It downloads very quickly and is easy to install. If you have any queries please feel free to contact us for help.
Productivity tips...
We have assembled information on a few other easily actioned techniques that you can use to further boost the productivity gains that you will achieve by using PPT.
Goal Setting: Working without setting specific goals defining what you want to achieve is like a contractor trying to build a house without plans...
To-Do Lists: A very simple tool that can bring order out of chaos....
Mind Mapping: Another simple concept that is quickly learned, but is applicable to a very wide range of problems....
Memory Techniques: Some simple but powerful methods used by Memory Masters to amaze and impress....
Using the Personal Productivity Timer...