The Pomodoro Technique- a 7 Step Productivity Method
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Life throws so many distractions at us when we’re working at home. It can be hard to focus on being productive.
So how do you sit down and actually focus when you work from home? There has to be some sort of productivity method, right?
Well, there is. It’s called the Pomodoro Technique.
SOME BACKGROUND
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management strategy created by a man named Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.
Francesco came up with the name “Pomodoro Technique” because he used a tomato-shaped timer to keep track of time as he studied in college. “Pomodoro” is the Italian word for tomato.
Clever, right?
I use this method every single time I sit down to work! There are a few simple steps to this productivity method.
1. PICK AN ITEM OFF OF YOUR TO-DO LIST
Before you start this method, you should have already made an organized to-do list that lists out tasks from least to most important, so you know where to start.
I like to use a to-do list organizer, like this app called Trello. But, nothing beats a physical planner! If you’re looking for a new planner, I recommend checking out this planner and this desk calendar!
Once you have a to-do list laid out, simply pick out the first task of the day.
2. SET A TIMER FOR 25 MINUTES
A timer on your phone will work just fine, but later I’ll be going over a few helpful apps you can use as well!
3. WORK ON THE TASK FOR THE FULL 25 MINUTES
This is probably the hardest part. It can be so hard to avoid distractions when you work from home.
The best way to do this is to silence your phone, get off of Facebook, and close all the unnecessary tabs on your computer. Fully immerse yourself into the task at hand- no distractions!
3. KEEP TRACK OF THE WORK SESSIONS
This is to keep track of how many “Pomodoro sessions” you’ve done so far.
4. TAKE A SHORT BREAK
For example, step away from your desk, have a cup of coffee, or meditate. Do whatever it is you need to do to get your mind off the task. Usually, all you’ll need is 5 minutes.
5. REPEAT 4 TIMES, THEN TAKE A LONGER BREAK
After doing 4 more 25 minute Pomodoro sessions, reward yourself with a longer break! 20–30 minutes is recommended.
Be sure to step away from your desk during this break. Do your best to clear your mind of the task you were doing. For example, you could use it as a lunch break just like you would for a normal job!
6. REPEAT!
Once you’ve finished your break, all you have to do is repeat this process as many times as needed to finish all the tasks on your to-do list! Pretty simple right?
-IT FORCES YOU TO STAY FOCUSED
This productivity method is really great for bloggers. It works so well because when you are against the clock, you have no choice but to focus on one task at a time. Therefore, limiting the urge to get distracted.
While some people might find “racing against the clock” to be stressful, remind yourself that you can always reset the clock after a 5-minute break if you don’t finish the task. Don’t let that become an excuse to get distracted, however!
-WORKING WITH A FOCUS INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY
Working with a focus for a short period of time and then getting up, walking away, and coming back to your desk with a fresh mind really helps with productivity.
It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to work for hours on end and not so much as move to itch their nose. We get so into the hustle and bustle that we forget how much time has passed!
-HELPS WITH TIME MANAGEMENT
You can better manage your time under this productivity method because it forces you to be conscious of the time that passes! Therefore, making you work harder on the tasks to get them done within your allotted time.
There won’t be the urge to check your email, Facebook or the text message that you just heard come in. You have a task to finish, and a clock to beat! It seems funny that in order for us to be conscious that time is passing, we have to physically set a timer, doesn’t it?
-BREAKS KEEP YOUR MIND FOCUSED
It can be hard when you are working so heavily on a project to remember to take breaks throughout to let your mind rest. So, setting a timer as a reminder can be a great way to ensure that you don’t burn yourself out in one sitting. This way, you can stay productive the whole day through (And you’ll remember to eat)!
You use the breaks as a re-charge to ensure that you’ll stay motivated and refreshed throughout the day.
Use the short breaks to clear your mind. For example, try closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and meditating. On the other hand, you could refill your drink, grab a small snack, or anything else that you can fit into a small 5-ish minute break.
Then of course, throughout your longer 20–30-minute break, you can go for lunch (away from your desk) and really clear your head.
After your break, you’ll come back feeling motivated, excited to get back to work and you might even have come up with something while you were away! Perhaps something you might not have come up with if you’d just stayed and kept working without a break!
WHAT ARE THE BEST APPS TO KEEP TRACK OF TIME?
There are plenty of ways you can keep track of time. You can go with an old egg timer.
Or, as I mentioned before, you could use your phone timer. There are other apps specifically set up for the Pomodoro Method;
- Marinara Timer (Web)
- Pomodoro Timer Lite (Android)
- Focus Time Activity Tracker (iPhone)
These apps are great for keeping track of time, or you could just buy yourself a regular old egg timer just like the original (shown above)!
The Pomodoro Technique is a really great productivity method and can help you focus and get more work done. And as an entrepreneur, every second counts!
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Originally published at https://www.businesswomenthrive.com on August 4, 2019.
