Applying “The Pomodoro Technique” In (My) Real Life — Part 1

The Pomodoro Technique is the name of a popular time management and productivity technique developed by Francesco Cirillo, along with the eponymous book. In this article series I will dive into the Pomodoro Technique in great detail. The general idea is that: (i) task-oriented work is performed during timed 25 minute blocks (each being a “Pomodoro”, Italian for “tomato”),(ii) there is a mandatory short break period between each Pomodoro, and (iii) each time 4 Pomodoros are completed, there is a mandatory longer break period. Pomodoro Technique advocates claim that it facilitates starting tasks, staying with them, staying fresh and focused, and avoiding procrastination.

I have been aware of the Pomodoro Technique for years, and have used it sporadically to some positive effect. But, like most similar techniques, one has to remember to use it in the first place, or have the technique become so ingrained as a habit that using it becomes natural and unconscious. Furthermore, one must have the discipline or drive to continue to use the technique even when the initial novelty of (re-)using it wears off. I have not been successful with either in the sense that the Pomodoro Technique “upgrade” has not been permanently “installed” into what I affectionately refer to as my Personal Operating System (“POS”). This is not to say that I am unproductive (or to say that I am productive…), merely that I have not been consistently using the Pomodoro Technique as part of my efforts to be so.

Is this a mistake? Would using the Pomodoro Technique day in and day out be a POS upgrade? For me, “productivity” is just a boring way of saying “creation”, and engaging in acts of creation is the highest best use of human life. I do have big goals, so greater personal productivity (i.e., “greater ability to create”) would be a godsend.

This article series documents my inquiry as I give the Pomodoro Technique one more solid try. Authoring and publishing this article series is also self-hacking in that it provides a documented context for me to form and express my intentionality, rather than keeping it all in my head. I am also self-hacking by implementing accountability because you, dear reader, are reading what I am writing. Are you there? Can you hear me? :)

To be clear — as of my beginning to write this article series I am not sold on the ultimate efficacy or desirability of the Pomodoro Technique. This article series is not about advocating the Pomodoro Technique, or even explaining it beyond what is needed to describe my personal experience with it. The Pomodoro Technique is widely discussed online, with most material a simple Google search away. Plus, the original versions of the book (more on that later) are quite clear and accessible.

Quick Note on 2007 and 2018 Book Versions and Version 1.3 Download

The early versions of The Pomodoro Technique book were published pursuant to the Creative Commons License (“CCL”). This article is based on version 1.3 of the book, originally published on June 15, 2007 under the CCL. This 2007 version can be downloaded as a free PDF here. A newer version the book was released by Francesco in 2018 and is available for paid purchase (i.e., it was not released under the CCL) on Amazon.

I have not yet reviewed the 2018 version, but a comparison of the two tables of contents, and their divergent page lengths, indicates that the 2018 version contains some substantial new material. I actually find this somewhat odd. Part of the charm and the resultant popularity of the original Pomodoro Technique derives from its simplicity, with version 1.3 weighing in at an easy to read and still somewhat padded 45 pages. Version 1.3 does not aspire to the complexity of comprehensive personal management solutions such as Getting Things Done and its ilk. Yet, the 2018 version weighs in at a relatively hefty 160 pages. Depending on how things develop, I may review the 2018 version. If so, I will update this article series to include any 2018 version tidbits which are truly useful.

Algorithms and Pseudocode

I’ll write separately and in depth about how the computer science concepts of an “algorithm” and “pseudocode” and their relevance to developing a POS.

For now, as per Wikipedia, “…an algorithm is a set of instructions, typically to solve a class of problems… Algorithms are unambiguous specifications for performing… tasks.” In other words, algorithms are a form of repeatable recipe. And, in fact, recipes, including directions for baking a cake, are themselves algorithms.

Also as per Wikipedia, “Pseudocode is is an informal high-level description of the operating principle of a computer program or other algorithm. It uses the structural conventions of a normal programming language, but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading… The purpose of using pseudocode is that it is easier for people to understand than conventional programming language code…”

The Pomodoro Technique’s Algorithm In Pseudocode

There are hundreds of resources available which explain the Pomodoro Technique in greater or lesser detail, including the original book . That book is itself is short and clear. But, before we dive into the “backstory” of how the technique was developed, why it (may) work, why it (may) be a good idea, and various associated tips, tricks and nuance, lets keep things really, really short and simple.

What is the essential core of the Pomodoro Technique? In other words, what is the algorithm which forms the actual technique itself, expressed in pseudocode for easy human understanding, and stripped of all nuance and commentary?

Well, here you go, and recall that each 25 minute session is a “Pomodoro”:

1. Make sure you have a physical or digital timer and something to write or notate upon.
2. Make a list of tasks to be completed, in the order you wish to complete them (the “Task List”). Select which tasks you will work on during that particular “Pomodoro Series” (the “Selected Tasks”), and set the length of that the Pomodoro Series in terms of number of Pomodoros to be completed (e.g., “10 Pomodoros”) (the “Pomodoro Budget”).
3. Set the timer for one Pomodoro. Start working on the applicable task. Start with the first task and, as it and every other task is completed, continue on to the next task.
4. Once the timer goes off, immediately stop working, make a note that the Pomodoro is complete, reset the timer for 5 minutes, and use that 5 minute period as a work break.
5. Once the time goes off and the 5 minute break is over, immediately reset the timer for another full Pomodoro and (also immediately) continue working on tasks.
6. Every time 4 Pomodoros have been completed, immediately take a longer timed work break of 20 minutes instead of 5 minutes.
7. Repeat steps 3–6 until either of these are complete: (i) the Selected Tasks, or (ii) the Pomodoro Budget.

To be continued in Part 2…