Use the 30/30 application as a helpful productivity hack
It’s all too easy to get distracted during the workday, and staying focused can seem downright impossible. If you consistently find that you need an extra nudge to stay focused and productive, consider giving the 30/30 app a try.
At its core, 30/30 is essentially a very esthetically pleasing timer. The idea is to work for 30 minutes with zero distractions. Then, when the timer goes off, you give yourself a 30-minute break to recharge (also timed through the app.)
However, you aren’t limited to 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off – that work cycle isn’t feasible for many people. The app allows users to create tasks and assign time limits. You could allocate 45 minutes to working on that annual report, 20 minutes to battling your inbox, and 15 minutes to getting in a mini-workout.
Why does it work so well? Imposing time constraints forces us to focus more intensely. If you factor in time for breaks, you’ll have something to look forward to as well.
Benefits of using 30/30
The first thing you’ll notice about the app is that it’s extraordinarily visually appealing, and that the interface is intuitively designed and easy to use. When you first open the application you’ll get a handy tutorial on how to use it, and if you happen to forget what a two-finger tap does, accessing help is a breeze.
The home screen shows a timer and your task list. Simply type in the items you’d like to accomplish, give them time limits (be realistic!) and tap the “Play” icon. All you have to do is focus, and 30/30 takes care of the rest.
While the app is a great tool for helping you stay focused, it’s also a great way to limit how much time you spend on certain tasks. If you’ve ever found yourself wasting countless hours responding to emails, 30/30 is a fantastic way to put a self-imposed deadline on responsibilities that suck up time.
The downsides of 30/30
The main downside to the application is that it isn’t available for Android at the moment – only iPhone and iPad users will be able to take advantage of this particular productivity tool.
There are also several more complicated gestures that the app relies on, like three-finger swipes and vertically spreading your fingers apart to create a new task. These can be tricky to remember, but help is always readily available from the home screen.
If you need help staying focused 30/30 can help
Unfortunately, there’s no magic hack that can force you to stay motivated and focused throughout the workday. But, 30/30 is an excellent way to help your brain concentrate, and it’s a user-friendly way to enhance your time management throughout the day. If you know that you benefit from productivity hacks, there’s no downside to trying this free app out.
If you need even more tips and tricks to help increase your motivation, check out these 10 tips for being more productive during the workday.
