What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro technique is a time management method developed to improve focus during tasks and reduce overwhelming feeling caused by the amount of work. It has been created in late 1980s but it gained popularity in the internet era through many productivity articles on time management.
In the times of constant distractions, staying focused becomes challenging. It is important to have a proper environment for work without being interrupted every couple minutes. Pomodoro timer is a simple tool that can help you focus and achieve a state of flow.
History of the Pomodoro Technique
Created by an Italian entrepreneur Francesco Cirillo in 1980s, during his time in the university. The name for the Pomodoro technique comes from Italian word pomodoro meaning tomato. Francesco used a tomato-shaped kitchen clock to divide his tasks in small, manageable intervals. After some experimenting with the intervals, he settled for 25 minutes for single pomodori.
How does Pomodoro timer work?
Pomodori is a single time interval designated for work on a task. The creator of the method suggests 25 minutes for single pomodori, 5 minutes for short break and 15 to 20 minutes for the long break.
Pomodoro Technique in 6 steps
Pomodoro method can be described in 6 simple steps.
- Decide on the task to work on
- Set the Pomodoro timer
- Work on the task
- After the Pomodoro ends, take a short break
- Go back to step 2 until you finish 4 pomodori
- After four pomodori are done, take a long break
When you complete a task and still have time left
After completing the task, use your remaining time to review the work you've just done. You can also look at it from a learning point of view. What did I learn from my work?
You could also review your list of upcoming tasks and prepare for them. Start thinking of what needs to be done, what you need to complete the task, prepare yourself for the task mentally.
When you are interrupted during a pomodori
The method is designed to reduce the effect of internal and external interruptions on focus and flow, but as we know distractions can still happen. When interrupted during a pomodori, the distracting activity must be recorded and postponed or the current pomodori must be abandoned.
Record your progress
You can take it a step further and record the number of pomodories you have completed during the day. Write them on a piece of paper or in a spreadsheet. Create a chart out of collected data and see for yourself how productive you were on specific days.
What you can learn from the chart is that on some days you're just not as productive as on the other days. Or perhaps the time during the day where you decided to work doesn't suit you. Analyze and adjust to achieve higher levels of productivity.
Summary
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method to help to reduce internal and external interruptions. It divides large tasks in smaller, more manageable time intervals with short breaks between them. The one easiest tool to help you be more productive and complete your work.