Want to focus and be able to get work done as soon as possible, but not sure how to start? You should try this technique!
Photo by Tristan Gassert on Unsplash
Having a task that must be completed sometimes makes a person feel overwhelmed, sometimes even having to finish it over time. Well, to avoid this from happening, you can do the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro technique was first introduced by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. Pomodoro comes from Italian which means tomato. The Pomodoro technique was created by Cirillo because he has a focus problem that makes him easily distracted while completing his assignments while in college. This popular time management method aims to increase the level of sustained focus while completing work, and prevent mental fatigue by means of focused work sessions and short breaks in each session. How to apply it?
Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash
- Make a list of the tasks you want to complete.
- Set your timer for 25 minutes, then focus on one task until the timer goes off indicating you need to stop working in your first Pomodoro session.
- When your 25-minute work session ends, mark one Pomodoro and record what you've accomplished in those 25 minutes.
- Try stretching, enjoying a cup of coffee, or eating your favorite cake as a reward for yourself for completing 1 session of Pomodoro. After completing this short break, continue to the second Pomodoro session by completing the previously unfinished task or move on to the next task when it is finished in the first Pomodoro session.
- After you have done 4 Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes to restore your condition to a more fit state as before. During this long break, you can use it to eat, look at gadgets, or do activities that restore your stamina and mind to their original state. This makes you fresh again to do the next task.
Photo by Tim van der Kuip on Unsplash
The essence of the Pomodoro technique is that sprints do work in 25 minutes. The Pomodoro technique training also includes three rules for getting the most out of each interval:
- Pursue complex tasks. If a task requires more than four Pomodoro sessions, then the task needs to be broken down into smaller, actionable steps. Sticking to these rules will help ensure you make clear progress on the tasks you are working on.
- Small tasks can be done simultaneously. Such a task that takes less than one Pomodoro can be combined with other simple tasks. For example transferring bills, arranging doctor appointments, and reading Pomodoro articles can all be done together in one session.
- After the Pomodoro session time is set, when the work time is up and it rings, then you must stop working. Pomodoro is a unit of time that cannot be separated and cannot be broken. During a Pomodoro session don't allow yourself to check your inbox, team chat, or text messages to keep yourself focused on the work you're doing. Any ideas, tasks, or requests that come up you can look out for to come back to later after the Pomodoro session ends.
Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash
If an unavoidable distraction occurs, take a five-minute break and start again. Cirillo recommends that you track interruptions (both internal and external) while you're focused on getting work done, and think about how to avoid them in the next session. This rule also applies if you have completed the given task before the timer goes off. Use the rest of your time to overstudy, or improve your skills or knowledge range. For example, you can spend extra time reading the news or doing educational activities for yourself. How? Interested in trying the Pomodoro technique? Good luck!
