Focus with Pomodoro

Summary

Pomodoro(TM) makes more of your time when you have a lot to do.

Time required

25 + 5 minutes

What do you need?

• a timer (tomato shaped timers work best).
• sheets to record your tasks, activities, and results

How does it work?

The Pomodoro Technique® by Francesco Cirillo is a time management technique that divides your work into small chunks. As the first thing in the morning, you write a list of all things you want to do. Then, you handle them in 25-minute units using a kitchen timer. The basic procedure is this:

• Set the alarm clock to 25 minutes.
• Start working on a task on your list. Add a tick for each 25-minute unit used on that task.
• When the alarm rings, take a 5-minute break.
• Record your progress and tasks that you have completed.
• Never stop the timer once it runs.

I find the Pomodoro Technique® particularly useful when writing longer texts. The fast-paced time keeps me focused and makes it easier to avoid distractions. I have also used the method to work on many other tasks, especially if they were urgent and annoying. On the Pomodoro(TM) website you can find a lot more details on the method: http://www.pomodorotechnique.com.