Pomodoro Technique
How to Beat Procrastination and Improve Productivity One Pomodoro at A Time
My number one technique for superhuman productivity and intense focus is to use a productivity hack called Pomodoro Technique.
A Brief History of The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique is a time management method developed in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo. Cirillo, then a university student, struggled to focus on his studies and assignments. To complete them, he asked himself to commit to just 10 minutes of focused study time. Encouraged by the challenge, he found a tomato (Italian Pomodoro) shaped kitchen timer, and the Pomodoro technique was born.
Pomodoro technique encourages people to work with the time they have. Using the method, you break your day into time intervals called Pomodoros.
Simplicity
Less is more in many things. Also, in productivity. Especially if you connect the Pomodoro technique with MITs (most important tasks).
By now you’re probably curious how to do it?
Step 1. Get a timer (it can be one on your computer/phone or a physical kitchen timer)
Step 2. Choose your MIT (most important task) – no more than 3 per day
Step 3. Set the timer to 25 minutes and focus on a single task until the timer rings
Step 4. When the session ends, put a checkmark on the paper next to the task (one Pomodoro) and record your progress
Step 5. Take a 5-minute break
Step 6. After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer, more restorative 15 to 30-minute break
Tips for Getting The Most out of Each Pomodoro Interval
Break down complex tasks/MITs into smaller subtasks.
(Only if the task requires more than one Pomodoro)
For example, writing an article requires research, writing, and editing. You can make several Pomodoros out of this task.
Batch subtask together.
If the task takes less time than one Pomodoro, you should combine it with other subtasks.
Once the Pomodoro timer is set, it must ring.
Pomodoro time is sacred and cannot be interrupted by menial tasks such as text messaging, incoming emails, chats, etc. If it’s broken, it must be started again. If it’s successfully finished, you can put a checkmark next to the task. Any ideas, tasks, or requests that arise during Pomodoro’s time must be dismissed until the time interval is finished. (You can record them not to forget them)
If the task is finished before the timer rings, you should devote the remaining time to activities such as reviewing and editing the completed work or reviewing the list of upcoming tasks for the next Pomodoro session.
You can increase/decrease Pomodoro intervals as you wish. For some types of work that require extended periods in a creative flow state (coding, writing, composing, etc.) 25 minutes may be too short. You can increase the Pomodoro interval and the break according to your own rhythm.
If you’re a beginner, and 25 minutes sounds too long to stay focused, try Pomodoro intervals of 5, 10, or 15 minutes with shorter 1, 3, 5-minute breaks.
Science has proven that for most people, the sweet spot is between the 25 and 50-minute range for peak concentration with a 5 to 15-minute break.
An Example of My Pomodoro Day
Writing: 🍅 🍅 🍅 🍅
Editing: 🍅 🍅
Reading: 🍅 🍅
Piano: 🍅 🍅
Work: 🍅 🍅 🍅 🍅 🍅 🍅
Gym: 🍅 🍅
Email/messages/YouTube: 🍅 🍅
I use standard Pomodoro intervals of 25 minutes of focused work with 5-minute breaks. 25 minutes is long enough to get some work done, but not so long that it feels overwhelming or painful.
Benefits of Pomodoro Technique
- Simplicity
- Increased focus
- Improved planning
- Decreased procrastination
- Increased accountability and motivation
- Single-tasking instead of multitasking
- Better control of time
- Decreased physical and mental fatigue due to frequent breaks
Consistency > Perfection
You can beat procrastination and increase your productivity by making Pomodoro planning a daily routine. Choose 1 to 3 MITs for the day, start your timer, and focus on the task at hand. Remember to take regular breaks.
Each Pomodoro provides an opportunity to improve upon the last. Cirillo argues that
concentration and consciousness lead to speed, one Pomodoro at a time.
P.S.: This post is a part of a bigger one called The Best Productivity Systems in The World.
Cheers!
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