Work Cycles – A framework that combines pomodoros, reflection and finishing every Work session with a deliverable

Developed by Sebastian Marshall, Cycles is similar to the Pomodoro technique except that:

  1. Each work session is 30 minutes and each break is 10 minutes
  2. You reflect before and after each work session (you use part of your break time to do this) using a set of predefined questions
  3. You reflect at the very beginning of your work session and at the very end using some predefined questions  

Answering the questions helps you tune into exactly what you want to get done and why it is important to you.

You can use a Work Cycles Template for this exercise. First, make a copy, then feel free to adapt the language to fit what you want to use it for:

The process looks like this:

  1. Answer the Prepare questions
    (scroll down in the template to row 18)
  2. Answer the Plan questions for your first cycle
  3. Start a 30 minute timer and work on what you specified under Plan
  4. When the timer goes off start a 10 minute timer
  5. Answer the Review questions for your first cycle
  6. Take a short break
  7. Answer the Plan questions for your second cycle
  8. Once the 10 minute timer finishes, repeat steps 3 – 8 until you are finished working
  9. Answer the Debrief questions
    (scroll down in the template to row 27)

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