I am definitely a time-management techniques addict and have always been one. I am always interested in doing more with less and trying out new techniques and tools.
So you can imagine my surprise when I came across the Pomodoro time-management technique. It is one of the most effective time-management techniques I have ever tried out and it has been developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. This popular time management method asks you to alternate pomodoros (Italian for tomatoes) – focused work sessions – with frequent short breaks to promote sustained concentration and stave off mental fatigue.
But how does it work?
- Get a to-do list and a timer.
- Set your timer for 25 minutes, and focus on a single task until the timer rings. (Not to mention, put your phone away and focus exclusively on the task at hand)
- When your session ends, mark off one pomodoro and record what you completed.
- Then enjoy a five-minute break.
- After four pomodoros, take a longer, more restorative 15-30 minute break.
(btw, you have detailed instruction inside the Planzy Planner)
Experts advise to make 2 to 3 sessions a day and you will see amazing results. I could not agree more!
Even when I am feeling off and I am having a “bad” day, the feeling that I have to get something done until my alarm goes off…there is something about it.
Why would you like it? Because not only does it allow you to focus and concentrate during each Pomodoro, but it is actually really fun and you have the feeling you get more done with even more fun. So there you have it- this is why Pomodoro is one of my favourite techniques. As the official Pomodoro technique website states (here), the Pomodoro Technique teaches you to work with time, instead of struggling against it. A revolutionary time management system, it is at once deceptively simple to learn and life-changing to use.
I hope that was convincing, but not as convincing as getting results now. So try it out and please, do share your experience with us!