Don’t be Busy – Be Productive: The Pomodoro Technique
Does it seem like there are not enough hours in the day to complete your duties? Whether you are trying to be more efficient in your job or trying to improve the quality of your work, effective time management is a great way to stretch the clock! There are several time management techniques that one can practice, but the simplest one of all is “the Pomodoro Technique”.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The method derived from Francesco Cirillo’s tomato-shaped kitchen timer.
A man named Francesco Cirillo devised this practice. The method derived from Francesco Cirillo’s tomato-shaped kitchen timer. Cirillo would work in intervals of 25 minutes following 5-minute breaks; each interval being called a Pomodoro. After witnessing the effectiveness of this method, he decided to share it with the world, calling it “The Pomodoro Technique”.
How to Pomodoro
Want to try Pomodoro for yourself? The following tips will help you get started.
To-Do List
Analyze what there is to accomplish in the day and create a To-Do List. Mark your tasks in order importance. Doing this will prevent you from wasting time on trivial assignments.
Focus!
Once your list is ready, take on a task. Set your timer for 25 minutes and devote your full attention to the task you are working on. Shut down any interruptions like social media, text messages, or coworkers.
Catch a Break
Walk around, get some coffee, go up and down stairs, anything that helps you clear your mind.
Take a 5-minute break when your timer rings. Use this time to take your mind off your current project. Walk around, get some coffee, go up and down stairs, anything that helps you clear your mind. Do not feel guilty about taking a break from work. Studies show taking multiple breaks is actually a good habit (in moderation).
According to FastCompany.com, “When you work on a task continuously, it’s easy to lose focus and get lost in the weeds. In contrast, following a brief intermission, picking up where you left off forces you to take a few seconds to think globally about what you’re ultimately trying to achieve. It’s a practice that encourages us to stay mindful of our objectives.”
Back on track
After your break, concentrate on a task again. Respect your work time and block all distractions, repeat the process of a Pomodoro following a 5-minute break, after 4 Pomodoro rounds take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
The key to this time management technique is to commit to your Pomodoro. If you devote 25 minutes to a task and catch a break when it’s time, you’ll be crushing To-Do lists before you know it!
Article Contributions By: Maria Gonzalez
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