Task based approaches have us working on a specific task until it’s done. This could be a set of handstands, writing, programming, finishing a report.
This includes strategies such as lists.
Time based approaches have us working for a specific amount of time.
This includes strategies such as the pomodoro method.
With task based, our usual trap is that the task is too large and we run dry on attention before it’s done. The time period becomes too long.
On time based, the trap is not being specifically clear on the task, so we are more open to early distraction.
Overall, time based work seems to make more sense physiologically. With the pomodoro method for example, we have 25 minutes “on” and 5 minutes “rest.”
This is a great way not only to fuel the body with good food, good movement and even some breath attention work, but also feels long enough to set up the next block.
In movement, time based approaches also help us refrain from overtraining or doing too much. We can specify a 30, 45 or 60minute window for example to work on a specific skill. Then we know to call it a day when our timer goes.
When a person just starts out with exercise, time based is also a preferable way to not worry too much about the amount of work getting done and focus more on cultivating the habit of getting out there and getting some work done, for the time period allocated.
