The Pomodoro Technique: The Simplest Way to Beat Procrastination
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management theory developed by Francesco Cirillo. The system is based on 25-minute intervals, and a timer is used to enforce accountability. In Italian, the word "pomodoro" means "tomato." Cirillo first employed this method with a tomato-shaped kitchen timer! Whatever the objective, the strategy is useful for breaking the cycle of procrastination.
Here's how the Pomodoro Technique works:
- Choose only one task to concentrate on. No multitasking; instead, concentrate on one task at a time. For the next 25 minutes, focus entirely on that work. Even if your roommates unexpectedly invite you to chill out, don't give in and don't even consider it until the timer goes off.
- Make a note of any distractions - this is IMPORTANT. Keep a piece of paper nearby to jot down any other jobs that come to mind or things you'd rather be doing.
- When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break.
- Repeat steps 1-3 three more times. After you've completed what should be a 2-hour task, take a longer rest before resuming. Make the most of your break by getting a drink, going for a brief walk, or stretching. Taking breaks on a regular basis makes you more productive and healthier.
Reasons why the Pomodoro Technique works so well:
Discipline is being applied externally.
There is only so much you can do to force yourself to finish a task due to your limited willpower. This force will consume a lot of energy that you'd probably rather put to better use elsewhere. The burden is removed by applying a timer, which places it on an external source. The timer doesn't get tired, and it doesn't care if you'd rather be doing something else.
It redirects output-based tasks to input-based tasks.
A task like "Plan a project and get the estimate report done in 2 hours" could be immense and intimidating. You have no idea how long it will take, and the enormity of the task is enough to bring the demons of procrastination to the forefront of your mind. This problem is avoided by employing the Pomodoro Technique, which establishes a time-based input for the work. You could spend the 25 minutes doing nearly anything because you know the timer will alert you when it is up.
It clears the mind of all distractions.
By writing down any distractions that come to mind, you can sever the link between seeking a distraction and acting on it. This will gradually improve your capacity to concentrate.