Pomodoro Technique

Time management is something many people struggle with, not a big surprise given the amount of distraction we face every day.

With social media, e-mails and other apps constantly fighting for our attention, it seems to get harder and harder to focus on tasks.

The other side of time management is that sometimes we face tasks that aren’t the most fulfilling, pushing through with them is nevertheless important.

That is where I started using the Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. Pomodoro comes from the Italian word for tomato and was the shape of the timer he used.

The concept couldn’t be easier to follow:

1. Decide on the task to be done
2. Set a timer (Pomodoro) to 25 minutes
3. Work on the task without interruption
4. When the timer is up you stop working
5. Take a short break (5 minutes)
6. After four times lots take a longer break (15-30 minutes)

It is totally okay to change intervals and break times, as long as you follow the general principle.

What it does mentally is, it allows you to focus on the task and sets boundaries.

You know that the next break can be max X minutes away instead of just working until you are done which sometimes feels like hours ahead.

Forcing brakes takes care of staying motivated and on a good energy level.

It is much harder to come back when you are completely drained than it is from coming back from a point where you are still somewhat motivated to continue.