I recently heard about this technique and started implementing it in my daily routine to increase my productivity.
The Pomodoro Technique – This is a a great time management method developed by “Francisco Cirillo in the late 1980s.” This technique uses a timer method to break down your tasks in 25 minute intervals.
Each interval in this case would be called a Pomodoro. After every 25 minutes, take a 5 minute break, (your brain will thank you later).
The technique is widely used by many software companies or project managers without probably realizing it. Sometimes this concept. is referred to timeboxing and iterative and incremental development which is widely used in software design.
7 Steps to Better Time Management
Step 1 – Create a list of all of your tasks/goals for the day
In this step you want to stay as focused as possible. Make a list, a short, a long list…just start by writing down what you would like to accomplish on a day or a week.
Step 2 – Break down your goals into short tasks
This step is crucial because after this step you want to timebox your tasks in 25 minute intervals, and set tiny achievements throughout the day.
Step 3 – Work on a task for 25 minutes
After all of your tasks are laid out, work on the first task and set a timer on your phone or if you have a kitchen timer that works as well. Set your timer to go off in 25 minutes and work on your task without any interruptions.
If you get a phonecall or email during this time, do not pick it or have the urge to answer it.
If you get distracted by another idea, write that down at the bottom of your list.
Step 4 – After 25 minutes…take a quick 5 minute break
Taking a quick break, gives you a change to get up and move around. Give your mind a mental break from your task. It’s a great time to grab a quick coffee or use the restroom if you need to.
Quick 5 min breaks are super helpful!
Step 5 – Continue on the task or on a new task for 25 minutes again.
Continue throughout your daily tasks, to accomplish your goals 1 by one. You want to repeat this step 1-3 times.
Ensure that every 25 minutes, you are taking a quick 5 minute break.
Step 6 – After 4 cycles take a 30 minute break
After repeating these cycles 4 times, you want to give yourself a good 30 minute break.
Breathe, meditate, grab a cup of coffee, go for a short walk, exercise. Do something that is not work related. You do not want to burn yourself out with your to-do list.
Trust me, your brain will thank you later.
Step 7 – Repeat this as needed
Work on task for 25 minutes while taking a 5 minute break after each task. Make sure that you are taking 30 minute break after 4 cycles. And, repeat this a much as possible throughout the day to complete your tasks.
