Preparing for medical boards can be a daunting task. It requires a significant time commitment, and it can be easy to get sidetracked or burned out. However, there are time management techniques that can help you stay focused and productive.
One such time management hack is the Pomodoro Technique.
Using a tomato-shaped kitchen timer (now known as the Pomodoro Timer), Francesco Cirillo, a university student, discovered that his study habits improved. Cirillo found that when he broke tasks into 25-minute sessions (now known as Pomodoros) followed by a 5-minute break and then took a long break after four Pomodoros, he could concentrate more fully on the tasks at hand and accomplish more work.
The Pomodoro Technique can be helpful for medical board preparation because it helps you to:
- Stay focused: The 25-minute intervals provide a sense of urgency and help you to stay focused on the task at hand.
- Avoid distractions: The short breaks help you to clear your head and come back to your work refreshed.
- Track your progress: The Pomodoro Technique can help you to track your progress and see how much you have accomplished.
I recently suggested the Pomodoro Technique to a client studying for her medical specialty boards. This is what she said:
“I feel like the Pomodoro timer changed my life..! lol. I always get SO distracted doing things, so the incessant planning and scheduling work great for me. The Pomodoro was the cherry on top–how to break down my time even more..! It was always so satisfying to achieve my 10 Pomodoros daily.”
Here is how to get started
1. Choose the task to be accomplished (e.g., complete 25 MCQs). Minimize interruptions before you begin by turning off your phone and email/chat alerts.
2. Set the Pomodoro timer to 25 minutes. There are free apps for the Pomodoro timer that can be used with your iPhone or Android device and for your computer.
3. Commit to working on your task (and only that task) until the Pomodoro rings.
4. Take a short break (5 minutes is OK). Check your phone for messages or return phone calls. Use this break to rest and “recharge your batteries.” Get away from your desk, stretch, and get a beverage.
5. Continue your work sessions. After every 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break (15 – 30 minutes). Go for a walk, eat a healthy snack, clear your mind.
Try this strategy if you need help staying focused (or awake) while studying. It’s easy. It can help you hyperfocus and power through distractions, and accomplish things in short bursts. It trains your brain to focus for short periods, and with time it can help improve your attention span and concentration. To learn more, visit the Pomodoro Technique website.
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Linda L. Carr, Ph.D., Founder/Principal at Coaching for Medical Specialty Boards, is a medical educator and learning specialist who coaches physicians preparing for specialty boards through virtual, one-on-one coaching. Visit www.DrLindaCarr.org to learn more about her program and download her FREE Study Guide.