Pomodoro Technique: A Powerful Time Management Strategy Anyone Can Use

The pomodoro technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, is a very effective way to use your time. Utilizing a timer to create dedicated focus intervals, it encourages the user to eliminate all distractions and concentrate their attention on a singular task.

By using a timer, you create a sense of urgency. However, this isn't a race against the clock, but rather with it. When you eliminate all distractions and centre your attention on just one task coupled with a time limit, you kick your butt into gear and get to work. This way of managing your time can become a game. A reward awaits you at the end of each session.

Here is how to use the pomodoro technique:

Pomodoro Step 1: Preparation 

Decide on the task you want to complete. This task can be anything you want. The goal of pomodoro isn't to complete the task as fast as possible, so don't feel discouraged if you only finish a small chunk of it before the timer goes off.

Remove any distractions that may divert your focus. If you are using the timer on the phone, set your phone to airplane mode to avoid any notifications that could pull away your attention.

Some people focus better while listening to music or fidgeting with something like a pencil or fidget toy while others cannot. Find what works for you.

Pomodoro Step 2: Set The Timer 

Seasoned pomodoro users have trained themselves to focus for extended periods of time. If you're new to this technique, 10-15 minutes is a good start. It takes time to build up mental resilience for longer sessions, so don't waste all your energy on one long session at the beginning.

Focus is like a muscle; you have to train it. 

Pomodoro Step 3: Time To Focus

Once you've set that timer, start working. You may notice that after a few minutes you don't even notice the timer anymore. This is a mental state called flow. Flow is a hyper-focused state of mind where you are so immersed in something that you become unfazed by the world around you; time goes by quickly and your productivity increases. 

By focusing on just one task, you are able to achieve this state much faster than if you were trying to balance multiple tasks. 

Pomodoro Step 4: Take A Break 

Time for that reward. After a productive pomodoro session, it's time to take a short 2-5 minute break and do something fun and relaxing. Check your social media accounts, have a snack, stretch. In the same way that you take small breaks between sets to relax your muscles during a workout, these pauses do the same for your brain.

Pomodoro Step 5: Repeat 

If you are completing multiple sessions, it's a good idea to take a longer break after every 2-4 sessions (or about an hour to an hour and a half of work, depending on how mentally exhausted you feel). 

Take a 15-minute break. You could go for a walk around the block, practice meditation, or play with your pets.

Pomodoro literally translates to tomato in Italian. If you'd like your very own tomato themed timer for your pomodoro sessions, click here

If that's not your style, consider this affordable minimalist digital timer 

Summary:

By creating a set of time blocks throughout the day, you will quickly see the amount of productive work you were able to achieve in less time than an unstructured day. You'll notice a boost in self esteem, motivation, and satisfaction in seeing how much you were able to do today.

If you would like to learn how to value your time more, read our article How To Value Your Time Effectively

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