Canada's Keynote Humorist Judy Croon

The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo
The Acclaimed Time-Management System That Has Transformed How We Work.

What does a tomato and productivity have to do with each other?

The Pomodoro Technique (named after a tomato) is a cool way to help you get stuff done during the day. It breaks down big tasks into smaller ones so you don't feel overwhelmed. By using this technique, you'll be able to manage your time better and feel more in control of your work. This will make you a better worker and make your work more fun.

When you break your bigger task into smaller tasks, each of these smaller tasks or time intervals is called a pomodoro, which comes from the Italian word for tomato.

This technique was created by a university student who used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to help him stay focused and productive.

Why do Italians call the tomato a pomodoro? Let me tell you!

Apparently in 1548, a Tuscan steward described the tomato as pomi d’oro which translated means golden fruit. That later became pomodoro. But I digress. See, this is why I need help with productivity.

Who invented the Pomodoro Technique?

Francesco Cirillo (the gentleman who came up with this technique) thought of it when he was in university in the 1980s. He had trouble staying focused and organized, so he created the Pomodoro Technique to help him stay focussed. Nowadays, he has a website where he teaches people how to use his technique to be more productive. Check it out PomodoroTechnique.com

To start using the Pomodoro Technique, all you need is a timer and two lists.

Your timer doesn’t have to be a fancy tomato-shaped one like in the original Pomodoro Technique. You can use a stopwatch or even your phone. Make sure it makes noise when the 25 minutes are up. This helps your brain switch between working and relaxing.

Next, make two lists. The first list is your To Do Today list. This list has all the things you want to get done that day. For example, you might have outline presentation structure - 4 pomodori or pay bills - 1 pomodoro.

Where do these tasks come from? They come from your inventory list. This list has all the tasks you want to do now or in the future.

You'll need to learn how to estimate how many pomodori each task will take. Your estimates might not be perfect at first, but you'll get better with practice.

To stay motivated, switch up your tasks. If a big task like time management presentation will take 20 pomodori, break it into smaller parts. It's more rewarding to finish a smaller task than to work all day on one big task without finishing it.

By the way, I don’t use this two-list technique.
I just use the Pomodoro technique until I get one big thing done and off my plate. Wow, I’m using a lot of food references. Now I’m hungry.

So, when do you take a bigger break?
Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes are taken after 4 tomatoes or 4 consecutive Pomodoros.

The Pomodoro technique is basically set up to help you stay focussed.
Each Pomodoro should be dedicated to one task only.

The idea of 5-minute break every 25 minutes is not only to give your brain a break but to also give you a feeling of accomplishment.

So, is the Pomodoro technique effective?

A number of experts say that it’s a good focus tool to help with ADHD. It’s effective in providing measurable time increments as well as a reward system.

What are the drawbacks to the Pomodoro Technique?
Some people take longer to get into a project so 25 minutes doesn’t feel long enough.

So, now that I’ve described this wonderful time saving technique, let’s get onto the big burning question, what’s the difference between pomodoro and red sauce?

Well, typically pomodoro is a thicker sauce and thus more spreadable that marinara -which makes pomodoro a more common choice for pizza sauce.

Chatter that Matters in our Workplace: A look at multi-generational communication

Hi there, I’m Judy Croon, Canada’s Keynote Humourist. Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper – Shelf Help with a smile.

Today, I have to honour of speaking to Cynthia Rubino, founder of http://www.CytrineConsultancy.ca
Cynthia is a professor, PE Coach, advocate, mentor, speaker and advertising and marketing leader.

On the morning of May 7th we are working on something together called Empower the Future!
This event is happening at Hart House in the Great Hall at U OF T.

I love Cytrine’s Inaugural Event Theme – Chatter that Matters in our Workplace: A look at multi-generational communication- Mentoring, Guiding and Supporting Young Professionals in the Workplace.

Cytrine has partnered with the Globe and Mail to present this fantastic inaugural event.

For tickets you can go to http://www.Eventbrite.ca and look for 'Chatter Matters in the Workplace. Here is the direct link.

Empower the Future - Eventbrite Link
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chatter-that-matters-in-the-workplace-tickets-856235743157


There will also be 3 panels going on:

-From the Classroom to the Boardroom ( Professors from various Post-secondary institutions)

-Voices of the Z’S ( Young professionals in the workforce and students)

-Workplace Wisdom ( agency, media sales and marketing sales)

Again, this is happening May 7TH at the prestigious Hart House.

Cynthia also has another special event coming up June 7th – a Gala event entitled; I Matter Shines Light Gala.

For details, feel free to directly reach out at cynthia@cytrienconsultancy.ca Tickets can be purchased directly through Cynthia’s email.


http://www.JudyCroon.com

You are a bad ass – How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life

Do you want to be awesome? "You Are a Badass" is like your personal coach for being the coolest version of yourself.

The author, Jen Sincero, helps you figure out what's stopping you from being amazing and gives you tips on how to kick those bad habits to the curb. It's all about living your best life and making your dreams come true.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to unleash your inner badass!

http://www.JudyCroon.com

Laugh Long And Prosper -How Not To Age by Michael Gregar

Want to know the secrets to staying young and healthy? How Not to Age (The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as you get older (2021) has got you covered! This book dives into the science behind aging, explaining how our bodies change as we get older and what we can do to slow down the process. From eating right and staying active to getting enough sleep and managing stress, this book gives you all the tips and tricks you need to age gracefully. Say goodbye to myths and hello to real, science-backed advice on how to look and feel your best as you grow older.

http://www.JudyCroon

Hi there, I’m Judy Croon, Canada’s Keynote Humourist. Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper.

Today, I'm reviewing a great book called, ' A Whole New Mind. Why Right Brainers will Rule The Future' by Daniel H. Pink.
Daniel H. Pink is an American author who has written numerous New York Times bestsellers including: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us; The Power of Regret: How Looking Back Moves Us Forward; When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing and his latest bestseller, A Whole New Mind - Why Right Brainers Will Rule The World.

In A Whole New Mind - Why Right Brainers Will Rule The World, Pink says that people and companies that want to succeed in the future have to ask three very important questions:



1. Can someone overseas do my job cheaper? 

2. Can a computer do my job faster? 

3. Is what I'm offering in demand in an age of abundance, where people are looking to satisfy their aesthetic, emotional, and spiritual demands?

Pink stresses that as artificial intelligence potentially threatens many jobs around the world, artistic and creative skills are becoming even more essential.
Pink suggests that this is the perfect time to lean into the right, bright creative side of the brain; a side that often gets overlooked by the left logical, analytical side.

In doing so, Pink highlights six areas where the right brain excels.
Check it out.

http://www.JudyCroon.com

Judy Croon is Canada’s Keynote Humorist, Tedx motivational speaker, comedian and stand-up coach at Second City. She has worked with many celebrities including; John Cleese, Jon Stewart, and Joan Rivers.
Her specials have appeared on NBC, CBS, CTV and The Comedy Network.
She is a co-author of ‘From the Stage to the Page: Life Lessons from Four Funny Ladies!”
Judy draws from her standup performance and coaching experience to entertain, inform and inspire in her dynamic keynote entitled, ‘Relieving Work Related Stress with Humour’.
Judy is the creator/host of ‘Laughlines’ and ‘Stand Up For The Girls’ which have both helped raise over $650,000 for breast cancer research.

Hi there,

I’m Judy Croon. Canada’s Keynote Humourist Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper. Today I’m chatting with Susan Stewart

For the past 15 years, Susan Stewart has been entertaining and inspiring audiences across North America. Susan is best known for her ability to make people laugh while helping them to meet their challenges with a sense of humour. Susan is the author of 3 books including her latest title, You Gotta Laugh: Wit And Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously. Susan's podcast, Still A Hot Mess, and her comedy album, Relentless, are available on iTunes and Spotify. You can learn more about Susan at http://www.susanstewart.ca

SHOW INFO
A Bit More Than A Rough Patch: A Comedy Show About Taking Mental Health Seriously

Join comedian Susan Stewart for a night of laughs while she shares her mental health journey and what she has learned the hard way about taking mental health seriously. You won't want to miss this important community event that raises awareness about mental health and raises money for the Brantford General Hospital's Mental Health Unit. Here is the link.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-bit-more-than-a-rough-patch-tickets-777896568577

http://www.JudyCroon.com