The essence of this method is extremely simple and consists in alternating short periods of work with breaks. That is all. But since breaks are extremely necessary for productivity, the method is really effective.
Yes, it is similar to the well-known Pomodoro technique, which also offers to combine strictly timed working periods with breaks. However, there are differences. Productivity sprints are a much more flexible method. If, when using Pomodoro, you need to work for 25 minutes and rest for 5 minutes, then when using sprints, you independently determine how long you need (or are able to) keep your attention on a certain task, and based on this, set a timer.
The main trick is to set a goal for yourself. It should be long-term, for example, to complete a major work project by the end of the week, and you should "run" to it no matter how many sprints you need to do everything in time.
Each sprint should be dedicated to a mini‑goal, for example, to make a work plan, and cover exactly the amount of time that is most likely to take you to achieve it. Then the timer will not distract you in the middle of work, and you will be able to keep your attention until you complete the task, knowing that a break is approaching.
If you're not sure how long a task will take, don't set a timer and just keep busy until you're done. One of the most important elements of productivity sprints is deep concentration during the entire time working on the next block. Therefore, turn off your phone in advance and get rid of any other distractions in order to focus as much as possible, regardless of whether the task takes 10 minutes or half an hour. The break between sprints should be half of the time you spent working.
In terms of productivity sprints, your main goal is not to work for a certain number of minutes, but to complete a specific task. Therefore, it is important to work hard, without thinking about how long you do it and how well you follow the technique. Moving forward step by step towards completing a big task will give you a sense of accomplishment that you can miss if you rely on time first and not on the result.
For example, you need to write a report. Then you can make a draft for the first sprint lasting 30 minutes. Then there is a 15‑minute break. Then make edits during the next sprint. And so on until the report is ready. Remember that this is a sprint, not a marathon, so after the jerks it is important to give yourself time to recover.
