How You Can Use the Pomodoro Technique to Get More Done
Would you like to accomplish more each day, and still feel refreshed at the end of your workday?
I often struggle with procrastination so a couple of years ago, I discovered and implemented the Pomodoro Technique. It has now become my go to method to stop procrastination and get more work done.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
It is a simple, time management method that utilizes alternating periods of work, and short breaks to maximize how much you get done, each day. The traditional Pomodoro Technique is 25 minutes of work and then a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break for 30 minutes.
- 1Use a timer. This could be a kitchen timer, a countdown timer, a timer app on your phone, or a browser extension. I prefer an actual physical time positioned so I can see it. It alerts me when my time is complete. Utilizing a timer is critical, as it provides a sense of urgency and knowledge that you'll get a break soon. Feel free to customize by experimenting with different intervals. I tend to stick with the 25-minute intervals, but I have experimented with 30- and 45-minute intervals. Some do well with 15 minutes of work and then a 10-minute break. Be flexible and experiment to see which works best for you.
- 2Record your Pomodoro sessions. Have a place to record your Pomodoro session. For every completed Pomodoro session make an X or mark next to the activity or task. You can use a notepad, an Excel spreadsheet, or your planner to track the session right next to the task on your To-do list. By recording your Pomodoro sessions, you can determine how much time to allocate to repeating tasks and activities. You may determine there are some tasks you should eliminate or delegate to someone else.
- 3Do not skip your breaks. Breaks are necessary to re-energize you and keep you motivated after each Pomodoro session. During your break, get a glass of water, take a 5 minute walk around the house, do some stretches, go to the bathroom. Make sure you don't stay seated at your desk or in front of the computer. Do something else, get up and move. After each 25-minute interval take a 5-minute break. After four successful Pomodoro sessions take a 30-minute break. The breaks will allow you to recharge before starting again.
- 4Avoid getting distracted. The most effective part of the Pomodoro Technique is the dedicated focus on the task at hand. Knowing you'll get a break in a few minutes keeps you focused on the task at hand. When I need some focus time, I close my office door, put my phone on silent, turn off notifications, close my email, put on noise cancelling headphones and listen to Brain FM. Let others know you do not want to be disturbed for the next 25 minutes or so, eliminating distractions increases your focus. If your Pomodoro session must be interrupted, remember to record the session as voided or incomplete.
Give the Pomodoro Technique a try and see if it enhances your ability to focus and concentrate. Take notice of how much you get done and how good you feel compared to your normal workday with the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique not only works for solopreneurs but can also work for getting household chores done, studying and doing homework. Download your free Pomodoro cheatsheet below.
If you give the Pomodoro Technique a try, come back and post a comment to let me know if it worked or didn't work for you.