Admittedly, I’ve never been big on productivity hacks and tricks. Instead, I keep things pretty simple. I take a look at my planner (yes, a real paper planner — not my phone), jot down a list of things I want to get done that day, and then start hustling.
But, after hearing so much chatter about the Pomodoro Technique, I figured I should at least do my due diligence and give it a try. I listened to so many different people rant and rave about how it helped them greatly improve their focus and increase their productivity. So, I thought testing it out couldn’t hurt — and, if all went well, maybe I’d even identify a new tactic for tackling my never-ending to-do list.
So let’s get Kick- started with the Pomodoro tracker!
The materials you will need:
1.Pen & Paper
2.Timer (you can use your watch or cell phone or timer)The creator of this technique encourages the use of a mechanical timer.
Cirillo indicates that the physical act of winding the timer confirms the user’s determination to start the task; ticking externalizes desire to complete the task, and ringing announces a break. Flow and focus become associated with these physical stimuli.
Let’s get to the heart of the matter. How to follow the technique:
- Choose a task you’d like to get done
- Something big, something small, something you’ve been putting off for a million years: it doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s something that deserves your full, undivided attention.
- Set the Pomodoro for 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)
- Make a small oath to yourself: I will spend 25 minutes on this task and I will not interrupt myself. You can do it! After all, it’s just 25 minutes.
- Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings.
- Immerse yourself in the task for the next 25 minutes. If you suddenly realize you have something else you need to do, write the task down on a sheet of paper.
- When the Pomodoro rings, put a checkmark on a paper. Congratulations! You’ve spent an entire, interruption-less Pomodoro on a task.
- Take a short break (3–5 minutes).
- Breathe, meditate, grab a cup of coffee, go for a short walk or do something else relaxing (i.e., not work-related). Your brain will thank you later.
- Every 4 Pomodoros take a longer break (20 to 30 minutes). Then start back at step one!
- Learn how to work together with time, eliminate burnout, manage distractions and create a better work–life balance, using only a pen, some paper and a kitchen timer.
The idea behind the technique is that the timer instills a sense of urgency. Rather than feeling like you have endless time in the workday to get things done and then ultimately squandering those precious work hours on distractions, you know you only have 25 minutes to make as much progress on a task as possible.
Come on champ! Go start your Pomodoro Trackers right away.
Maansee Bakhrey
Team Zuperly
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