When It Comes To Management, Time Management Is One Of The Most Fundamental Skills Influencing Personal, Academic, And Professional Success.
We all know that what goes on in our minds affects our decisions, emotions, performance, and time management. Therefore, we are going to look at a technique called the Pomodoro technique. By relying on this time management method, we can quickly turn distractions during work into focus and experience the highest mental performance.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique was invented by a researcher, entrepreneur, and writer named Francesco Cirillo, and it was first implemented with a timer in the shape of a tomato.
It should be mentioned that the name Pomodoro also comes from the similarity to tomato. He uses this technique to pursue and advance his academic goals at the university. The Pomodoro technique is straightforward: break it down into small, short-term plans with limited time when faced with a big task.
This exercise helps the brain focus on a specific task quickly and avoid mental jumping. Also, in this case, a person’s energy will not be lost all at once, and his efficiency and effectiveness will remain at their highest level.
This system works as a cycle; over time, you will notice an improvement in your brain habits. You will also see the result of time breaks strengthening your motivation and creativity.
What does the Pomodoro technique include?
To perform this simple technique, you don’t need any particular book or program, and you need a timer and do the following steps in order:
- Choose a specific task.
- Set your timer for 25 minutes.
- For every 25 minutes of concentration and activity, take a 5-minute short break.
- After you repeat the cycle four times (5-25), take an extended break (15-30 minutes).
A short break is intended for drinking coffee, filling a glass of water, exercising, walking outdoors, etc. In the long rest, it is suggested to do something that gives you a lot of energy to prepare for the following four periods (5-25).
A critical issue while implementing the Pomodoro technique is the disturbing and distracting factors. These factors can be phone calls, text messages, the presence and conversation of other family members, etc.
This willpower is vital in sticking to your 25-minute Pomodoro session and avoiding distractions. To solve this problem, we suggest the solution of ” notification, negotiation, contact”.
This solution is as follows:
- Before starting the Pomodoro session, let those around you know that you are focusing on the project.
- Inform me in advance when you will return from work.
- During your rest period, immediately do what occupies your mind and spend time on your follow-up and calls.
Of course, there are exceptions for essential tasks; But honestly, describing your situation will save you from trouble and improve your time control and management.
Pomodoro Starter Tool
As we said before, the only tool required is a timer. Cirillo suggests manual timers; Because it is believed that turning the timer by hand shows your determination to start this work, and the physical effect of this is more on the mind. Anyway, here we review other programs that have Pomodoro with more features:
- Marinara Timer: this web application allows you to easily set times (5-25) and breaks (15-30) and keep your alarm screen open. You don’t need to install any software to use this program.
- Tonight: is an application based on the desktop platform that provides the traditional timer start and end action.
- Pomodoroable: In this app, you can define as many Pomodoro sessions as needed for a specific task and check how much work you have done.
- Pomodoro: is a free and simple application that notifies you when your timer ends with an alarm.
- Focus Timer ( PomodoroPro ): This app is available for iOS and is a powerful timer with features for iPhone and iPad. Its features include setting the start and break time, concentration history, remaining time of work sessions, and even a rating system to motivate the user. The alarm of this application is adjustable and continues to work even after the mobile screen is turned off.
Try the mentioned programs, But remember that your main focus in this technique is not your type of timer!
The primary audience of this technique
Pomodoro is practical and effective for all people of any age and with any academic or professional task. Still, it is more beneficial for freelancers who are individually responsible for a set of functions and are required to prepare work and present it to clients at a particular time.
Finally, remember that this technique is just a suggested method that may or may not work for you; in that case, it’s best not to force it on yourself. However, if this method works for you, stick to the recommended pause and rest times. These regular breaks are essential for one’s productivity.