How many times have you sat at your desk procrastinating about a task? It probably feels like such a bigger task than it actually is…and you know it! We’re a big fan of the Pomodoro technique and want to share it with you.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
This was first developed in the 1980’s by Francesco Cirillo. As an overwhelmed University student, he was struggling to complete his assignments. Armed with a timer he found in the kitchen (Pomodoro is Italian for tomato…and that time was shaped as a tomato!), he committed just 10 minutes at a time to power through his work.
Why use it?
We find this technique great if:
- You’re struggling with focus and jumping from task to task without ever actually finishing anything
- Finding any distraction possible to avoid getting the task done
- Have a bigger project to complete such as writing a blog post or doing research
How to use the technique
It isn’t a terrible completed routine…
- Find a task you want to focus on
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Concentrate on that single task until the alarm goes off
- Take a 5 minute break…
- …& go again!
- Once you have completed 4-5 sessions, reward yourself with a longer break
When you use this method, you’ll have a clear measurement of how long tasks are actually taking you and you’ll be able to plan your day a little better. By the time you’ve done 4-5 25 minute sessions, you’ll probably find you’ve made quite a dent in your project and achieved more than you realised.
You’ll also notice that the distractions don’t crop up so easily as you know you’ve GOT to focus for 25 minutes.
Don’t be too hard on yourself though – if the phone rings and you need to answer it, simply reset your timer and off you go again!
If you’re looking for some tips, helpful hints and advice to help free up your time, sign up to our newsletter
