In this article, we're going to focus on how to get tough stuff done.

I'm talking about the kind of work that you might not relish.Or, work that you do like, but it's just darn hard to getstarted.

According to psychologists, our brains automatically envisionthe hardest part of the job. Strange, but true.

Then, to avoid dealing with it, our brain gets kind of sneaky.It tries to simulate productive work by diverting us to small,mindless tasks like checking Linkedin or filling out a form forHR.

We can find a gazillion reasons to justify our procrastination.But they're not true. We just hate starting.

Pomodoro technique

That's why I want to tell you about the Pomodoro technique that was developed in Italy byFrancesco Cirillo. Its primary objective is to get us going onwhatever it is that we're avoiding. It helps you learn how to workwith time — not against it.

All you need is a timer or a Pomodoro app and to follow thesesteps:

1. Choose a task that you want towork on. Perhaps it's making phone calls. Maybe you needto plan for an upcoming meeting or presentation. You might have todo in-depth research on a targeted account. The choice is yours.You just need to pick something that's important to you that youhaven't started yet.

2. Write down what you're doing on asimple little activity log that you create yourself

3. Set the timer for 25 minutes. That'sit. 25 minutes. That's the time you're going to work on thisproject — or this portion of the project.

4. Get to work rightaway. You've only got those 25 minutes, so you don't wantto waste it. In a sense, this is a bit like a game. How much canyou get done in that time period.

5. When the timer goes off, stopimmediately. Seriously. Mid-sentence if needed. (Althoughif you're on the phone, I'd suggest you don't hang up till you'redone with the conversation.)

6. Take a five-minute break. Get up awayfrom your desk and move. Refill your coffee, do some exercises.

Once your five minutes is done, dig in again. Start a newPomodoro session, following the same process. If you get done earlywith your “assigned task,” work on something else. When your timergoes off, get up and move — again.

You can do this up to three times in a row before you take alonger break.

Get going

The goal of the Pomodoro technique is progress, not completion.Personally, I use it all the time. It gets me started. And once Iget going on these tougher tasks, it's easy to keep the momentumgoing.

So, try the Pomodoro experiment for the next few days. See howit works for you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how itreally does help you get going — so you can achieve your goals.

Related: 14 everyday attitudes that killsuccess