I have always been good about making lists--to do lists, especially. I'm not so great, however, at actually getting anything on the list done.
Until I learned the Pomodoro Technique
Pomodoro is Italian for tomato.
The technique is so-named because it uses a kitchen timer (a cute tomato-shaped timer, if you can find one) to keep you on track.
The technique is pretty simple. Here it is in a nutshell:
- You need a timer. A cute kitchen timer
is fun. A program on your computer or an app on your phone may be more practical, depending on where you tend to work.
- Choose one task on your to-do list.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes. (25 minutes is a pomodoro)
- Work only on that one task until your timer goes off. That means no answering the phone, no checking email, no getting a drink of water. Focus on that one task until the timer goes off.
- When the 25 minutes is up, take a five minute break. Use this break for something unrelated to what you were doing. Do some stretches, get a drink of water, use the bathroom. You have five minutes to do whatever you like until the next pomodoro begins.
- When you have completed four pomodoros, take a 30 minute break (for lunch or a walk perhaps?).
If you would like to learn more about the technique, head on over to the Pomodoro Technique website where you will find some history and practical applications. You can even download a free book with tips to help you implement the system.
This simple technique really helps me stay focused on what I need to get done. All the distractions that would otherwise pull me from my work need to wait for the timer to go off. No more getting pulled off course!
No matter what type of work you need to accomplish (writing, cleaning, or studying for an exam), the pomodoro technique will help you stay focused and get more done.
Give it a try!