What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management tool, which essentially entails performing 25-minutes of focused work coupled with 5-minutes of down time. Each work interval is referred to as a pomodoro, the Italian word for tomato (plural: pomodori). After you complete your fourth pomodori, you are rewarded with a longer, 15- or 30-minute, down time period.
Why Pomodoro?
Francesco Cirillo, owner of Cirillo Consulting, is championed as the developer of the Pomodoro Technique. As the story goes, in the 1980’s Cirillo was a university student, who (like many of us) was struggling to keep his mind focused on his studies. To combat his distracted mind, Cirillo made a bet with himself, starting with a mere 2-minutes. To hold himself accountable, he grabbed a timer from his kitchen, which happened to be a red, tomato-shaped timer (hence, pomodoro). As he was increasingly successful with his internal bets, he gradually increased the pomodoro intervals to one hour. However, Cirillo ultimately concluded that 25-minute pomodoro, broken up by 2- to 5-minute breaks was the ideal ratio.
How to Implement the Pomodoro Technique
Step 1: Identify Task
In order to implement the Pomodoro Technique, you must first identify the task you are seeking to complete (e.g., study for exam, complete a specific work assignment, write a paper or portion of a paper).
Other helpful considerations when preparing to use the Pomodoro Technique are:
- What are possible distractions?
- For example: Cell Phones, Loud Environment, Phone Calls, Co-Workers
- How can I avoid these distractions?
- For example, my biggest distraction is my phone–whether it be incoming text messages/e-mails or the urge to scroll social media. While it would probably be best for me to turn my phone off, or keep it in a different room (I actually did this during my Bar Exam preparation), it is not practical during work hours. As a result, I have set up my with a custom Work Focus mode that comes on at about 8:30 AM each weekday morning and turns off at about 7:30 PM each weekday evening. This enables me to permit important notifications from work-related apps and specified contacts, but block notifications from other apps and contacts.
- What do I need to complete this task?
- The goal is to work with minimal distractions or need to move locations. So, consider whether you need the following to complete the task: materials, snacks, turn off cell phone/TV, etc.
- Personally, I always gather my necessary materials, fill up my water bottle, and put on white noise, focus music, or non-distracting music.
- What is a my reward for completing this task?
Step 2: Set Timer for Pomodoro Interval
Next, set the timer. You can use a physical timer, like Cirillo himself, or a digital timer. There are plenty of Pomodoro Technique inspired apps and timers available in app stores and online.
While Cirillo has recommended the 25-minute pomodoro coupled with a 5-minute break, you can customize the method to fit your needs. Generally, I like to use one hour working intervals, coupled with 10-minue breaks. However, on days where I am finding it harder to focus, I start with 25-minute pomodori and increase that time as a see fit.
Step 3: Work on Task for Entire Pomodoro Interval
Now that you have everything you need to complete your task and the timer is set, all thats left is to work on your task for the entire working interval!
Step 4: Take a Short Break
Once the working interval is complete, take your allotted short break. You can do anything you wish for this period of time. Once the time is up, reset the timer for your working interval and get back to work!
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2-4 Four Times
Step 6: Take a Longer Break
Once you have completed four pomodori, you can reward yourself with a longer break. Cirillo recommends 15- to 30-minutes. Once the time is up, reset the timer for your working interval and get back to work (note: the next break you take will be your short break)!
Step 7: Repeat steps 2-6
So there you have it – the Pomodoro Technique. It’s a simple, yet effective way to improve your productivity and focus. By breaking up your work into manageable intervals and taking regular breaks, you can tackle your to-do list with more energy and motivation.
But remember, the Pomodoro Technique is just a tool. It’s up to you to use it in a way that works best for you. Experiment with the length of your work and break intervals, and adjust as needed. And don’t forget to use those breaks to recharge and refresh your mind!
So give the Pomodoro Technique a try and see how it can help you get more done in less time. Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a full-time employee, this technique can benefit anyone looking to improve their productivity and focus. So what are you waiting for? Give it a shot and let us know how it works for you!
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