Build Concentration with Pomodoro Technique

Boost your concentration and do the tasks at work better by training a Pomodoro Technique. Get a better time management here.

Do you find it is difficult to focus when doing a task? There might be distractions during your daytime activities, for example, incoming non-work related messages, scrolling through social media, zoning out, or daydreaming. Since we cannot get rid of distractions completely, staying focused can be a challenge.

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One of the solutions to stay focused and boost productivity is using Pomodoro technique. Pomodoro, derived from Italian word that means “tomato” was founded by Francesco Cirillo. Initially, the people who practiced the technique used a tomato-shaped tool as a kitchen timer. They set a timer to 25 minutes for each task and commit to doing it without any distractions. Once the timer stops, you can pause the task and take a short break for 3 to 5 minutes.

Tomato kitchen timer | Image Source: Flickr

Pomodoro technique has some benefits and here are the explanations of why it might be effective for you.
1. It’s easy to do because you just need a timer and commitment. You don’t have to use a kitchen timer (because the sound might be intimidating). You can use your smartphone, watch, or stopwatch instead, or level up the game with an application like Pomofocus.

2. You can modify the time duration based on your needs. One task doesn’t have to be 25 minutes. You can adjust your interval at your own pace. The longer the task time, the longer the short break you will need.

3. You are forced to be focused and do something within the time set. This way, you can combat distractions as you get your work done.

4. Everyone can do it since the technique is not limited to a certain job role. It’s also applicable to things outside work, like workout or reading.

<a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/time-management-concept_14449321.htm#query=pomodoro&position=0&from_view=search&track=sph">Image by pikisuperstar</a> on Freepik

If you’re easily distracted, you can try the Pomodoro method. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pick a task from your to-do list.
2. Set a 25 minutes timer.
3. Work on the task until the time is up and fully focus on it without any distractions.
4. Take a 3–5 minute break after the timer rings.
5. Repeat tasks no 1–4 until 4 rounds of Pomodoros, then take a longer break for up to 30 minutes.

You can divide one big task into many rounds of Pomodoro and merge the number of small tasks into one Pomodoro round.

Pomodoro can be tricky to be used for meetings because it might be weird if you

Curious to try it? Hopefully, this article can help you to build better concentration.

Reference:
- https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
- https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/the-pomodoro-technique-is-it-right-for-you.html