Our weekly co-working sessions have helped me buckle down to get some tasks off my plate over the last few weeks, but this week I tried something different.
With a few of us in a break-out room, we used the Pomodoro technique - 25 min work, then 5 min break. We each started with an intention in the chat, shut off the microphones, but kept our cameras on—for the gentlest of accountability. Our facilitator unmuted, to softly let us know we were about halfway through the "pomodoro." Whew—I didn't catch myself on Facebook this time (though it might have happened once before ;)).
This co-working session was 90 minutes long at noon Eastern, and 9am Pacific - and at the end of the first pomodoro, I had an unpleasant surprise. I didn't do the work I had committed to in the chat! I did something adjacent... hmmm. Another learning for me about my work habits.
The first break was very welcome - a helpful stretch and a chance to warm my tea in the microwave (which my friend, C, actually calls the "tea holder"). The second 25 minutes went more smoothly: I typed into the chat that my intention was to actually do what I said I would do in the first place! And then the timer went off! That time flew - and yes, I held myself accountable to that intention. Felt like an adult.
Following the second pomodoro, we returned to the main Zoom room to close the session. Our facilitator asked us to reflect on our experience, working alone, but together. Here's what we said:
Thoroughly enjoyed the check-in after 25 minutes - it was so reinforcing and clarifying.
Very enjoyable and productive - it was my first experience in a co-working session! I wasn't sure what to expect!
It was surprising how effective the Pomodoro time limits were for tackling my task in segments. Using a timer isn't revolutionary, but in a group setting... what an impact!
I reminded myself to be a bit more curious about things that aren't immediately intellectually exciting, like the timer and group work - yet were surprisingly effective nonetheless -- it's like exercise - stretching and jogging might not always be "exciting", but they are effective!
Thank you to the facilitators and participants! See you next week!
Note: I used WIX A.I. to check my spelling and grammar. I'm finding AI re-writes really change the "voice" of my writing, so I'll be using the basics only, for now.
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