ONE POMODORO METHOD AT A TIME
Have you heard the POMODORO Method?
Lately, I have been wondering how I can increase my productivity. I tried different techniques and planned everything out but inevitably, I still get distracted. I ended up chasing time to meet the deadline. And it’s stressful.
Let me guess. We’re on the same boat. You spend most of your time checking your social media accounts, watching episodes on Netflix, finishing the next level of a game, or perhaps, daydreaming, right?
Well, let’s cut the interruptions. Lessen your mistakes. Sharpen your focus. Time management is the best solution for procrastination. It’s time to head on to the real task at hand. I have discovered a helpful and effective method to get away from distractions and improve productivity.
It is called POMODORO Method.
What is POMODORO METHOD?
“Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves.” –Lord Chesterfield
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, this technique is named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used. Pomodoro comes from the Italian word which means ‘tomato’. Makes sense, right? In this method, you simply need to time yourself while accomplishing your task with 25 minutes interval. Of course, you may take a short break in between those intervals. These intervals are known as Pomodoros.
The main aim of this technique is to work without the impact of internal and external distractions. Like a tomato that gets rotten in a sprint of time, getting distracted from all interruptions around you would lead you to irreversible bad outputs and unmet deadlines. No way! That’s worse than a rotten tomato.
How to implement this Pomodoro method?
I’ve got this 5-simple core process on how you can implement this method and get everything done. I have also integrated personal concepts on each step based on how I attained them.
1.Pick a task.
First things first, you have to know what you want to accomplish at the end of the day. Think of the tasks you want to achieve. You have to list them down, include all those stuff you have stuck in your mind that you fail to do. Don’t mind whether those are minor or major tasks.
2. Set a 25-minute reminder
Set a timer for 25 minutes. It is the traditional and ideal time interval of a Pomodoro technique. However, it’s flexible. Scrutinize how much time your task needs. If you need more than 25 minutes, I recommend you to still follow the 25 minutes chunk and make repetition based on how much time you need. In this case, you can check on your progress when it rings each time.
3. Work on your task until it is done
Nope. It’s not the end yet. When the allotted time is up, it’s the end of your work NOT the process. Put a checkmark on the task you just accomplished. After the completion, take the remaining 25 minutes to REVIEW your work for any mistakes and insights from a learning point of view.
- Stay focused
Focus and concentrate. Work on the task and keep away from all distractions. Seal your mindset on finishing the task and ignore all the interruptions. Check emails, texts, and calls after the 25-minute interval. Don’t worry about the timer. Believe that you can finish it before the bell rings.
4. Take a 5-minute break
Boost your productivity in this technique. You’ve achieved one task. Take a 3-5 minutes break. Breathe. Relax. Do something different than your task. Then, move on to the next task on your list. Once you’re done, review put a checkmark, take a break again, work, and repeat. At the end of the day, you will be amazed by how much work you’ve completed.
5. Every 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break and Have Fun
It’s fun to do. I swear! You will enjoy the challenge of beating your procrastination, and the urgency you build will be helpful. You will find the thrill of learning and improving on each task. Reward yourself with a longer break after 4 Pomodoros. Also, celebrate those little accomplishments and progress you make.
How will Pomodoro Method change you and what makes Pomodoro so effective?
It teaches you to work on a single task at a time rather than doing many things and failing to accomplish any. We are naturally very bad at multitasking, so when we slow down enough to do the Pomodoro method diligently, we do our tasks a lot more diligently. It allows us to work promptly and achieve our target goal. This method makes us realize the clear essence of training ourselves to be distraction-free to get things done.