I used to find it very difficult to focus when practicing the drums. Between procrastination, random distractions, and a lack of motivation, I rarely made any significant progress. I would get behind the drums with the best of intentions, but never really got much done over 30-60 minutes. Then I recently discovered a simple technique that really helped turn things around.
When we sit down to practice the drums, much of our mental energy is wasted trying to stay focused, avoid distractions, and boost our slowly eroding motivation. That’s where the Pomodoro Technique comes in. It was originally created by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s as a time management technique, but the concept is perfect for practicing the drums.
It’s an incredibly simple concept, but don’t let its simplicity keep you from seeing its value. In its most basic form, the method consists of 1) choosing a specific task that you want to accomplish, 2) setting a 25 minute timer, 3) focusing single-mindedly on that task until the timer rings, 4) taking a 5 minute break, and 5) repeating the process.
The first benefit of this approach is that it simplifies everything. Instead of wasting limited energy on managing focus, distractions, and motivation, you are free to use your energy where it is needed. Once you have decided that you will do something for 25 minutes, there are no more decisions to be made. You just put 100% of your focus into making progress.
This approach requires us to choose something that will take at least 25 minutes to complete. It doesn’t take many Pomodoro sessions to realize that some things that used to take hours of unfocused practice time can actually be done in 10-20 minutes. This naturally pushes us to take on bigger goals to make full use of the time.
This simple format also encourages us to have a clear sense of purpose. If we’re going to focus on something for 25 minutes, we want a clear payoff at the end. The more I use this method, the more deliberate I am about picking the right things to practice (based on my own drumming goals).
As you continue to use this technique, you will see clear and undeniable progress on a consistent basis. Taking a few moments to acknowledge and celebrate this progress will positively affect your levels of motivation and personal fulfillment. This in turn makes the process even easier to repeat in the future, and creates a healthy addiction to achieving progress.
This is easily the most important benefit for me. I want to know that my practice time was worthwhile. I want to have a clear sense of accomplishment, so I’m excited to practice again in the future. Not only does the Pomodoro Technique make my practices 3x more effective, but it makes playing the drums 3x more rewarding as well.
I hope you enjoyed this article and that you’re excited to make use of the Pomodoro Technique. I’d encourage you to prepare by making a quick list of 3-5 things that you want to accomplish using this approach. For example, you might want to practice a page of beats or fills, learn to play a new song, or work on a new technique.
What do you think of the Pomodoro Technique? How do you plan to use it in the future?
Rick Kettner is an active drummer and the co-founder of Drumeo - an online community dedicated to the education, inspiration, and support of drummers.
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