Making up rules for productivity

Why the pomodoro technique doesn’t work for me

The pomodoro technique is a time management technique where you break your work day into intervals. Set a timer for 25 minutes, take a break for five, rinse and repeat.

The pomodoro technique is perfect for bring consistently productive without running the risk of overworking.

But it doesn’t work — not for me. I end up fixating on my next break instead of whatever I should be doing.

If you’re like me, get rid of your timer and put on some music.

Check the time and work for five minutes. Easy enough, isn’t it? Once the first five excruciating minutes are up, work for another five. This is especially great if you’re trying to come up with a solution to an intimidating problem.

Before long, you can take pleasure in the fact that the next time you glance at the clock half an hour would have passed without you realising it.

“Don’t take breaks from distraction. Instead take breaks from focus.”

—Cal Newport

Take breaks when you’re ready. My smart watch buzzes when I’ve been seated too long to prompt me to walk around. I’ve previously set my phone to chime every fifteen minutes so I rest my hands for a minute or two during long design sprints.

Even the best productivity tips don’t apply to everyone. Experiment and figure out what works for you — maybe the pomodoro technique?