Productivity

Productivity Tool Overview: Pomodoro

Mondays are productivity days at SimpleProductivity blog.


Photo by AndyRobertsPhotos

I have long believed that true productivity requires a variety of methods. Some days you need to may need to focus on a specific task and power through. Some days you may need to sprint through a bunch of tasks. Some days you may need to focus on your energy. All of these strategies will help you get things done, but work best under the right circumstances.

This June I will be looking at my go-to tools – the ones in my productivity toolbox. I will look at how to use them, what they are best at, and when I use them. Today we will look at the Pomodoro method.

Intro to Pomodoro

This productivity method is timer-driven focusing so that you can eliminate procrastination. It takes its name from the Italian word for tomato, because the original timer was in the shape of a tomato.

The Pomodoro method has you:

  1. Decide what to do
  2. Do that task for 20-25 minutes (timed)
  3. Take a 3-5 minute break (timed)
  4. Repeat the above two steps two or three times
  5. Take a longer break, 15-20 minutes (timed)

There are many different associated methods, usually varying the length of the work session and the length of the break session, as well as the number of repeats before the longer break.

What It Is Really Good At

Pomodoro is really good at breaking two forms of procrastination: getting started, and keeping going.

If you are having trouble getting started on something, you just tell yourself you have to do the task for 20 minutes. That’s not a lot of time, and is usually enough to get a good start.

It keeps you going because you know the timer will remind you when it is time to stop. You don’t have to keep checking it has been long enough.

Pomodoro also prevents burnout…you only work a certain amount before you take a break (and no, you’re not allowed to work through the break). By enforcing these limits, you won’t drain yourself.

When I Use It

I use this method when I think I don’t have enough time to do something to make a difference. It keeps me going, and without fail, I am surprised at how much I have gotten done in the work session.

I also use it when I am having trouble focusing. I set the timer, and allow myself to focus on one thing. Then during my break I can go back to being unfocused.

I generally use a different length and repeat, which is known as the (10+2)*5 method. This is an hour-long sprint, with 10-minute work sessions, interspersed with 2 minute breaks.

Conclusion

Pomodori, or kitchen timers, can really help get you started and keep you going on a project.

Over to the Readers

Do you use a version of this method? How long is your work session? Your break session? How many repeats?


Photo by AndyRobertsPhotos. Licensed under Creative Commons.