The Pomodoro Technique – A Time Management Technique

​I found the Pomodoro Technique in an email from Better Report. They send me practical advice/suggestions. This one was all about time management, whether it’s a task you’ve been putting off, or one you’re struggling to complete. All you need – a task and a timer.

​Mine – 2 chapters worth of revisions, 22 pages of text, with comments added along the side – altogether 25 pages to get through. Talk about intimidating!
​
So I pulled out the Pomodoro Technique and tried it. I figured I didn’t have anything to lose. It worked, revision by revision, page by page. 

---

​Part 1:   Here are the steps I used from Better Reports.

1. Choose a task.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes and only work on that task.
3. When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break.
4. Repeat the previous steps four times.
5. At the end of the fifth interval, take a longer 15-to-30-minute break.
​
Source: What Is the Pomodoro Technique and How Does It Increase Productivity? - Better Report
 

---

​Part 2: Here are a few rules that Better Report said to use.

1. If you start a pomodoro, let the timer ring.” Don’t stop early.
Use your time to review, reflect, or plan for the next one.

2. Stop when the timer goes off. Don’t go over time.
3. Set your timer for those 5-minute breaks after the first 4 Pomodoro's.

4. Do something different during those 5-minute breaks. If you’re on the computer, get up and get moving. If you’re cleaning, put your feet up and relax, but don’t get lost in your break.
Return to your task when the timer goes off.
​

​  ​

​Part 3: Here’s how I tailor those Pomodoros to fit me.

1. Sometimes I stop early before the 25-minute timer goes off,
but only if there’s not enough time to start the next one. I’d rather start my break early and the next Pomodoro early too.

2. If the timer goes off and I need to finish a sentence or paragraph,
I do that too.

3. I skip the timer if I’m reviewing something like a whole chapter.
I don’t want to stop and start. I don’t worry about the time.
This is about me and how I can best use MY time.

4. With my 5-minute breaks, usually I get up and walk. It makes it easier for
me to reach my step goals. Sometimes I clean. I HATE cleaning,
but I can do it for 5 minutes.

5. Sometimes I take my long break early. If I’m hungry, I stop and eat, even if I need to cook.
​I take the time I need. Balance is important, and so is taking care of myself.

Source: What Is the Pomodoro Technique and How Does It Increase Productivity? - Better Report


​

Part 4: Meet the Inventor of the Pomodoro Technique. His name, Francesco Grillo.

---

​It’s true! Francesco invented the Pomodoro technique in college. Imagine coming up with an idea that gives you a career, and an income for the rest of your life!
​
Here are some ideas from his website that you might want to check into. You can find Francesco’s link below.

​​

​Who has Francesco worked with?
- Managers
- Entrepreneurs
- Researchers
- Writers, designers, product developers, and other creative professionals
- And, Teams of people 

Why does he think you should try the Pomodoro Technique?
- Enhanced Focus and Concentration
- Improved Time Management
- Reduced Stress at Work
- Enhanced Team Communication and Flexibility
-Adaptable to You and Your Task Requirements

How can the Pomodoro Technique help you?
- “Learn to be gentle with yourself and develop a conscious relationship with time.”
- “Turn time into an ally and use it to improve individual and team productivity.”

​

To learn more about Francesco: About Francesco Cirillo
To read more about the technique:
Pomodoro® Technique - Time Management Method (pomodorotechnique.com)

---