The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a very structured method of working or studying that combines several elements from the productivity techniques described across this site. These elements include:
- alternating periods of work and rest
- goal setting
- to-do lists
- time boxing
- planning and reviewing tasks
The technique was developed by an Italian, Francesco Cirillo. He defined a time period consisting of 25 minutes of work followed by a 5 minute rest as a Pomodoro. Before you start work you should plan your tasks for the day, with estimates for the number of Pomodoros required to complete each task.
Then you set about actually doing the tasks by starting your timer and working for 25 minutes. On completion of the 25 minutes you mark it up as a completed Pomodoro on your to-do list and take a 5 minute break. In the 1980's Cirillo used a mechanical kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato (hence the name - pomodoro is Italian for tomato) but now we have much more versatile and convenient computer based timers like the Personal Productivity Timer.
At the end of the day you should review your to-do list to see how the number of Pomodoros spent on each task compares with the planned number. This will enable you to refine your future estimates and improve your planning and time management skills.
There are some specific rules that should be observed when using the Pomodoro Technique:
- Once a Pomodoro is started it must be finished
- Don't allow interruptions during a Pomodoro
- Breaks must be real breaks - preferably move physically away from your workspace.
- After each 4 or 5 Pomodoros have a longer break (15 - 30 minutes)
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Download and test the trial version to see for yourself how it boosts your productivity, and increases the pleasure and satisfaction you get from a job well done. It downloads very quickly and is easy to install. If you have any queries please feel free to contact us for help.
