The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro technique is a simple yet effective tool for focused work with planned breaks in between. Francesco Cirillo coined the term “pomodoro,” which translates to tomato, in the late 1980s after the tomato-shaped timer he used as a university student.

The technique encourages you to work within the time you have, rather than struggle against it.

You will finish each day with a sense of accomplishment by doing nothing more than working in 25-minute blocks (called pomodoro sessions), followed by 5-minute breaks.

Sometimes when faced with a large task or series of tasks it can be hard to get started, or maintain motivation. By breaking the work into short intervals that are followed by short breaks the task becomes more manageable, it becomes a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.

The process works to train your brain to focus and helps you make progress despite the myriad of distractions out there.

Sometimes sheer willpower isn't enough but the pomodoro technique will keep you accountable.

Here’s how it works:
1. CHOOSE A TASK

Do you have a big project or task you can’t face tackling? This is the perfect way to conquer it.   

2. FOCUS

Minimise all your distractions.

Close emails, shut down your social media, switch your phone to on do not disturb, close the door. Learning to manage distractions is one of the key skills the pomodoro technique will teach you, it is only 25 minutes after all.

3. WORK

From your task break it down into parts to complete, Picking a part of the task, start a 25-minute timer and get to work. When using the pomodoro technique there is no concept of pause, stick to your chosen task for the full session and note any distractions you need to come back to. 

4. SHORT BREAK

When the timer goes off you have completed your first session, Step away from your desk for five minutes, clear your mind, stretch your legs, get a drink, snack or some fresh air.

5. REPEAT

Start the timer again for another session. 

6. LONG BREAK

After your fourth session take a 20 minute break and come back completely refreshed.

“Perfectionism prevents action. Waiting until you have devised the perfect solution to something is merely a form of procrastination.”

― Staffan Noteberg