The Pomodoro Technique – A Terrific Technique to Boost Your Productivity
We all get the same amount of time every day, but some people seem to get more than their share. How is this possible? The answer is simple, get more done in less time…boost your productivity. Boosting your productivity can do great things for your reputation and the reputation of your business. When you produce a large amount of great content and/or many great products, customers, peers, and even competitors will take notice of your business. Therefore, it makes sense to increase your productivity. One of the simplest and most popular ways to boost your productivity is by using the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique that was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. Cirillo named it the Pomodoro Technique after a tomato-shaped timer he used in college to keep himself on track as he studied. The idea is to increase productivity by dividing your workday into highly focused chunks separated by short breaks.
5 Reasons to Use the Pomodoro Technique
- Manage distractions and control your time
- Increase accountability
- Improve weekly and quarterly planning
- Decrease back pain and mental fatigue
- Maintain motivation
Start by choosing a clear task
Start by choosing a clear task, and get ready to focus on that task solely. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, block social media with a browser extension like Timewarp. The process involves deciding on the task that is to be done, using a timer to set a short work time period (usually 25-30 minutes in length), then working on the task until the timer or bell rings. After you complete one interval, you get a short break of about 3-5 minutes in length, known as a “Pomodoro.” You then put a checkmark on a piece of paper to indicate that you have reached the Pomodoro or break. You then start again on the same or next task after the break is up, then repeat the process until you have four checkmarks on your paper (i.e. after you have worked four work periods of 25-30 minutes and have taken three 3-5 minute breaks).
When you have put down four checkmarks on your paper and have reached your fourth Pomodoro (i.e. your fourth break), you will take a longer break that consists of 15-30 minutes. Once you return from that break, you will begin the entire cycle again where you work 25-30 minutes, reach the Pomodoro of 3-5 minutes, placing a checkmark, then repeating the process again until you reach four checkmarks, then taking the longer 15- to 30-minute break.
It’s simple and effective
Using the Pomodoro Technique, you can increase your productivity because you are working in short bursts. As most experts recommend you do. In addition, because the timer is there, you need to remain focused on your tasks to ensure you get work done before the bell or timer goes off. You then take a short 3-5 minute break to recharge. Come back to begin work again, then repeat the process until you reach the fourth Pomodoro/break. When you do, you’ve put in between 100-120 minutes of work, which enables you to take a longer 15- to 30-minute break.
The system works by giving you a “reward” of sorts when you have completed work. You’ll be more focused on the tasks you need to complete and be able to keep up your motivation. Because you won’t be working non-stop throughout your tasks. It also works by giving you a timeliness factor. In other words, it provides a time constraint that forces you to focus and get things done in the allotted time. The Pomodoro Technique can be incredibly frustrating in the beginning. Stick to it, it is a worthwhile technique that is the equivalent of going to the gym for your brain. Good luck!
