Have a Cliff Hanger Day!

For more posts like this see my blog, Tech Rest – Enjoying technology and finding rest in a restless world

My favorite kind of day is what I call a Cliff Hanger Day. It allows me to get the most work done while having the most fun.

Here's what it looks like.

• Get ready. I do my normal routine – workout, shower, and get spiritually together.
• Start the first task. Read a book I am reviewing until I get to right before a good part.
• Start the second task. Draft a blog post.
• Revisit the first task. Read some more in the book until I get to just before another good part.
• Repeat.

Studies show that most people's ability to concentrate on a task begins to diminish significantly after about 20 minutes. This is part of what's called the 9-20-90 rule. In training you need to ask a question every 9 minutes, change your method of teaching every 20, and take a break every 90 minutes.

So what I try to do is break up my work flow into 20 minute chunks. Even better is if I can time it so that I'm looking forward to returning to that task. This way I'm always looking forward to the next installment on a task. Maybe I'm a little ADD but when I try to focus for a couple of hours on one task I tend to get side tracked. 20 minute chunks work really well for me.

So what size chunks work best for you?

See also

• You Don't Need More Time