Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato sauce. So, what does it have to do with managing time?
In the late 1980’s, Francesco Cirillo was a university student and found himself struggling with managing his time. Using a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato, he created the Pomodoro Technique to help him “work with time rather than struggling against it.”
Cirillo broke each unit of time and effort into a “pomodoro.” This unit is used to measure dedicated focus and time spent on a single task, or a compilation of smaller tasks.
Managing time is an issue for many, adults and children alike. It is so easy to get distracted, especially now that work, school, and home life are blurred. We are drawn away by phone and text messages, the pull of social media and our burgeoning inbox, not to mention household chores, pets needing a walk, and children requiring help with online learning.
In the late 1980’s, Francesco Cirillo was a university student and found himself struggling with managing his time. Using a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato, he created the Pomodoro Technique to help him “work with time rather than struggling against it.”
Cirillo broke each unit of time and effort into a “pomodoro.” This unit is used to measure dedicated focus and time spent on a single task, or a compilation of smaller tasks.
Managing time is an issue for many, adults and children alike. It is so easy to get distracted, especially now that work, school, and home life are blurred. We are drawn away by phone and text messages, the pull of social media and our burgeoning inbox, not to mention household chores, pets needing a walk, and children requiring help with online learning.
The Pomodoro Technique consists of six simple steps designed as “work sprints.” Prior to beginning a sprint, eliminate as many interruptions as possible. Turn off your phone, shut your door, whatever is needed to allow for a distraction-free environment.
Step 1: Choose a Task
It doesn’t matter what the task is, but it should be one that requires your utmost attention to complete.
Step 2: Set a Timer for 25 Minutes
During these 25 minutes, you will focus on the chosen task at hand.
Step 1: Choose a Task
It doesn’t matter what the task is, but it should be one that requires your utmost attention to complete.
Step 2: Set a Timer for 25 Minutes
During these 25 minutes, you will focus on the chosen task at hand.
Step 3: Work on the Task Until the Timer Rings
Immerse yourself completely in the job you’ve chosen for this work sprint. If you think of another task, or something pops into your mind that is important, jot it down and keep going.
Step 4: Time’s Up-Cross It Off
If during the allotted 25 minutes, you were able to complete your task, check it off as finished. If it requires additional time, you can continue your work during another “pomodoro.”
Step 5: Take a Short Break
Take 5 minutes to grab a snack, take a quick walk, take a bio break, or stretch. This hiatus should be brief and not work-related. It is also best to avoid checking your phone, social media, or emails as this invariably will take longer than the five minutes allotted. This brief no-screen respite helps reset your brain, gearing it up for another focused work sprint.
Step 6: Start Again with the Next 25 Minute Work Sprint
Either choose a new task or continue on with the previous one if it isn’t completed. Every four, 25-minute increments, take a longer, 20 to 30 minute break. Again, use this time to decompress, move your body, and reset your mental acuity.
There are three rules when applying the Pomodoro Technique.
Rule 1: Break Down Complex Projects
Large, complicated tasks should be divided into smaller, actionable steps. Typically, dividing them over four 25-minute increments allows for completion of each section and clear progress.
Rule 2: Combine Small Tasks
If a task can be completed in under 25 minutes, group multiples together into one Pomodoro work sprint.
Rule 3: Once Set, the Timer Must Ring
If you get interrupted, reset the timer and begin again.
The alternating 25-minutes of focused work with breaks promotes sustained concentration and eliminates mental fatigue. It is easy to work on a task for 25 minutes at a time, it provides an awareness of the time used for each job, and helps combat distractions. It also is useful in planning accurately and efficiently what can be achieved.
Typically, 12 to 14 Pomodoros can be completed in a day. At least one or two should be used for recurring administrative tasks, such as checking and responding to emails and phone calls. Two to four of the 12 to 14 should be overflow Pomodoros. If those aren’t needed for high priority tasks, they can be assigned to lower priority items or for learning.
This technique allows us to work with time, eliminate burn-out, manage distractions, overcome procrastination, and build our concentration muscle. It can also help us achieve a better work-life balance when we have a firmer grasp on the time something entails.
The Pomodoro Technique provides an exact measurement of productivity instead of time feeling like an abstract, which can lead to it being mismanaged and as such, a source of anxiety.
If you struggle with time management, this “saucy tomato technique” just might be the answer!
Immerse yourself completely in the job you’ve chosen for this work sprint. If you think of another task, or something pops into your mind that is important, jot it down and keep going.
Step 4: Time’s Up-Cross It Off
If during the allotted 25 minutes, you were able to complete your task, check it off as finished. If it requires additional time, you can continue your work during another “pomodoro.”
Step 5: Take a Short Break
Take 5 minutes to grab a snack, take a quick walk, take a bio break, or stretch. This hiatus should be brief and not work-related. It is also best to avoid checking your phone, social media, or emails as this invariably will take longer than the five minutes allotted. This brief no-screen respite helps reset your brain, gearing it up for another focused work sprint.
Step 6: Start Again with the Next 25 Minute Work Sprint
Either choose a new task or continue on with the previous one if it isn’t completed. Every four, 25-minute increments, take a longer, 20 to 30 minute break. Again, use this time to decompress, move your body, and reset your mental acuity.
There are three rules when applying the Pomodoro Technique.
Rule 1: Break Down Complex Projects
Large, complicated tasks should be divided into smaller, actionable steps. Typically, dividing them over four 25-minute increments allows for completion of each section and clear progress.
Rule 2: Combine Small Tasks
If a task can be completed in under 25 minutes, group multiples together into one Pomodoro work sprint.
Rule 3: Once Set, the Timer Must Ring
If you get interrupted, reset the timer and begin again.
The alternating 25-minutes of focused work with breaks promotes sustained concentration and eliminates mental fatigue. It is easy to work on a task for 25 minutes at a time, it provides an awareness of the time used for each job, and helps combat distractions. It also is useful in planning accurately and efficiently what can be achieved.
Typically, 12 to 14 Pomodoros can be completed in a day. At least one or two should be used for recurring administrative tasks, such as checking and responding to emails and phone calls. Two to four of the 12 to 14 should be overflow Pomodoros. If those aren’t needed for high priority tasks, they can be assigned to lower priority items or for learning.
This technique allows us to work with time, eliminate burn-out, manage distractions, overcome procrastination, and build our concentration muscle. It can also help us achieve a better work-life balance when we have a firmer grasp on the time something entails.
The Pomodoro Technique provides an exact measurement of productivity instead of time feeling like an abstract, which can lead to it being mismanaged and as such, a source of anxiety.
If you struggle with time management, this “saucy tomato technique” just might be the answer!
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