I am not suggesting to start selling veggies, I am just referring to the super popular Pomodoro Technique®.
I was wandering through the interwebs over the weekend when I stumbled upon this simple productivity approach to get things done.
Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. Francesco Cirillo suggests to turn our tasks into tomatoes, 25 minutes long intervals. In turn we will accomplish more in less time.
Don’t believe me? Here it is.
Some Background
On its official website, Cirillo gives us a basic overview of what the technique entails:
The basic unit of work in the Pomodoro Technique® can be split in five simple steps:
1. Choose a task to be accomplished
2. Set the Pomodoro to 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)
3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings, then put a check on your sheet of paper
4. Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)
5. Every 4 Pomodoros take a longer break
Very simple, yet very effective. I’ve been trying to apply this technique to some basic day to day taks and I am impressed by the results.
Simplicity is usually the way to go in productivity. This seems to be the case.
OK but Why on Earth Tomatoes?
The Pomodoro Technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that was first used by technique creator Francesco Cirillo when he was a university student.[Wikipedia]
What About Events
Events are complex projects by definition. The Pomodoro Technique® suggests to break down tasks depending on their Pomodoro requirements:
If a task takes more than 5–7 Pomodoros, break it down. If it takes less than one Pomodoro, add it up, and combine it with another task
We tend to perceive large projects as very difficult to carry out. Hence the stress. Hence the disgusting spreadsheets with super tiny font sizes.
This is where the Pomodoro Technique® comes handy.
It is also somewhat philosophical in its approach:
The next pomodoro will go better.
or
The Pomodoro Technique shouldn’t be used for activities you do in your free time. Enjoy free time!
Let me tell you, dear reader, these are great tips.
Download Your Pomodoro Pack
Enjoy the FREE ebook, also available in Chinese and Italian.
If you haven’t got the time, here is the amazing Cheat Sheet , which sums up the whole process nicely.
Have a look at the growing list of Pomodoro inspired apps and software.
Make sure to download the templates and worksheets as well as buy the hard copy if you feel like it. It’s a great read.
