Life continues to become complicated, with many streams coming at you. All in order to take your most precious commodity, time.
I want to introduce the Pomodoro Technique. I unique, simple method to help you focus on a task, with a burst of hyper-focus. The best part, it requires no apps, item purchase, or unrealistic actions to work.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique was invented in the early 90s by developer, entrepeneur, and author Francesco Cirillo. Cirillo named the system “Pomodoro” after the tomato-shaped timer he used to track his work as a university student. [1]
Much like a project plan, you take large goals and break them down to smaller realistic tasks. Then using the Pomodoro Technique, you attack one tasks in the time-frame with hyper-focus. This allows you to remove the noise during those few moments. Once the timer goes off, you can relax and step away.
This accomplishes more than one thing. It allows you to focus in completing tasks, slowly nibbling away the larger goal. It also helps train the brain to focus on short periods of time, allowing you to stay on deadlines. It is also said to help improve concentration and attention over time.
How Does it Work?
The Pomodoro Technique can be broken down to five steps.
- Choose a task to be accomplished.
- Set the timer to 25 minutes.
- Work on the task until the timer rings, then put a check on your sheet of paper
- Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)
- Every 4 timers take a longer break
While Cicil used 25 minutes as his timed tasks, you can adjust it to your need. Personally, I like the 15 minute duration. For more ideas on what you can accomplish in 15 minutes, read my 15 minutes article.
While it sounds simple, this technique is very effective.
Thomas Frank has a video (above) discussing this technique.
What Can I do on Distractions?
It seems to never fail. Once you get into something, a distraction comes to disrupt. Whether it’s kids, co-workers, or that nagging person. Cirillo suggests the following technique for those distractions.
- Inform the other (distracting) party that you’re working on something right now.
- Negotiate a time when you can get back to them about the distracting issue in a timely manner.
- Schedule that follow-up immediately.
- Call back the other party when your timer is complete and you’re ready to tackle their issue.
Let Me Know
Let me know if you have used this technique or first time. I am curious of your experiences, and if it helps.
Matt Cole has high regard for knowledge share. He has a desire to share critical thinking and information. With a Masters in Information Technology and a wide array of certifications, while not working full-time, he wishes to knowledge share through providing insight, information organization, and critical thinking skills.
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