Boost Productivity with the Pomodoro Technique!

Work smarter, not harder

Divyanshu Lakwad
ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR
4 min readOct 17, 2023

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Photo by schmaendels on Unsplash

A person can get more done in less time by managing their time well, giving them a sense of success and lowering their risk of burnout.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique that consists of 25 minutes of intense work followed by a 5-minute break. After four brief stints of 25 minutes of intensive work, long breaks of 15–30 minutes are taken. Each stretch of interval is referred to as a Pomodoro.

Pomodoro comes from the Italian term Pomodori, which means tomato.

Origin

Francesco Cirillo, an entrepreneur, invented the Pomodoro Technique in the late 1980s. He was a university student who utilized a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to manage his study routine, hence the name of the technique.

Isn’t it fascinating?

He began by experimenting with various work periods with breaks. He soon discovered that the 25-minute Pomodori is the most efficient time for productivity.

By restricting the duration of time and providing breaks, the Pomodoro Technique helps people keep better attention on activities. This aids in overcoming procrastination, resulting in increased productivity.

The Pomodoro Technique is broken down into five basic steps.

Step 1: Pick a task

Choose a work that you want to do and divide it into smaller portions to make it appear easier to complete, decreasing pressure and tension.

Step 2: Set the timer

Set a timer for 25 minutes, sometimes known as a “Pomodoro.” Your full focus should be on the specified task throughout this period. Don’t be a slave to your thoughts. If you have to master something, start with yourself. Concentrating entirely on the task at hand will boost your productivity and improve your thinking abilities.

Step 3: Work on your task until the time is up

Work on the work with complete concentration and focus until the timer goes off. For the next 25 minutes, don’t do anything else.

If you can’t concentrate, you should question your ability. Question yourself, “Can I not focus on my task for only 25 minutes?” This can help you strengthen your self-image and eventually overcome your tendency to doubt yourself.

Keep track of your progress after completing the first Pomodoro.

Step 4: Reward yourself with a short break

Excellent work! You have successfully completed your first Pomodoro!

You may now take a well-earned 5-minute rest. Drink whatever you want, whether it’s water or coffee. Get your act together and try again.

Are you ready for the second Pomodoro? Let’s get this done!

Wait a minute! Before we go any further, a little note: Your 5-minute break can potentially be a 2-minute break. Adjust your breaks as needed, and keep in mind that the fundamental goal of the Pomodoro Technique is to boost productivity through effective time management.

Step 5: Longer breaks

Start another Pomodoro once you’ve finished the first one to finish the Four Pomodoro cycle. And here you are, grinning with satisfaction at having finished all four Pomodoros!

Take a well-earned longer break of 15–30 minutes as a reward. Take advantage of this opportunity to relax, indulge, or do something you enjoy!

You’ve just finished a two-hour session of concentrated work, and you can already see the advancement you made. Continue working with additional cycles to increase productivity using the wonderful Pomodoro Technique!

Why does it work?

The Pomodoro Technique is a deceptively easy but really powerful productivity-boosting strategy. You can maintain a high degree of focus and lessen the impulse to multitask by working in brief, concentrated bursts. A Pomodoro’s time limit instills a sense of urgency, motivating you to finish chores quickly. Short breaks keep your energy and motivation levels strong and prevent burnout. You may assess your productivity and get a sense of accomplishment by keeping track of completed Pomodoro.

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Divyanshu Lakwad
ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR

A law student turned writer, working on himself to improve everyday. I mostly write on self-growth, since I love to share everything that I learn.