I’m often asked about a simple way to maintain focus. This is especially hard in the new world with full of distractions. One of the practical ways to maintain focus is “The Pomodoro Technique”. Pomodoro means tomato and the technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into focused intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. The technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that was originally used to time the intervals.
Here are the steps for the technique:
- Choose the task you want to work on and ideally write it down.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes and start working on only the chosen task. Avoid any distractions or interruptions during this time.
- Short break. When the timer rings, take a break for 5 minutes. Get up, stretch, or take a quick walk.
- Repeat steps 1-3. After completing 3-4 pomodoros, take 30 minutes break.
In practice, I found that sometimes 25 minutes is not enough to complete the task, and I am in the flow, I continue working on the task for another 5-10 minutes.
Hope you have a productive week with lots of pomodoros!
This article reflects my personal views and opinions only, which may be different from the companies and employers that I am associated with.