This Tip describes the Pomodoro Technique for time management, working in 25 minute segments separated by 5 minute breaks.
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” Paul J. Meyer
This will be an extremely brief Tip.
Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It is used for time management and was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980’s, but I had never heard of it before. I think it’s a great idea if you can arrange to have no interruptions for an hour.
It uses a timer to break work down into intervals of 25 minutes, separated by 5 minute breaks.
The idea is to focus for 25 minutes on a task, then take a 5 minute break away from your computer. Do this 3 times more times, with a 25 minute break after the fourth session. You may be working on the same task or different tasks during those 4 focus sessions.
The 25-minute blocks of time are actually called pomodoro sessions. The word pomodoro means tomato and the name comes from a tomato-shaped timer that Cirillo used in college to keep himself on track as he studied.
Emily Christensen lists five reasons to use the Pomodoro Technique: 5 reasons for pomodoro
- Manage distractions and control your time
- Increase accountability
- Improve weekly and quarterly planning
- Decrease back pain and mental fatigue
- Maintain motivation
It makes sense to me.
Have you ever tried it? I’m going to see if it works for me.
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
