Blog Post

Pomodoro - a technique for improvement

Kathryn Evans • Feb 20, 2019

And a tomato.....

The Pomodoro Technique, invented by a student using a tomato shaped timer is a powerful tool for productivity, focus and improving your working life/studying. Invented by Francis Crillo it has been adopted worldwide by indivduals and corporations seeking to improve productivity.

The concept is simple, each pomodoro lasts 25 minutes and then a 5 minute break is taken. After 4 pomodoros a longer 20 minute break is taken. Every task an individual undertakes can be broken down into pomodoros and the day can be planned and mapped out to use the allocated time efficiently. There are 4 rules to follow

  1. A pomodoro is indivisible
  2. If a pomodoro begins it has to ring
  3. If a task is due to take more than 5-7 pomodoros it should be broken down into chunks
  4. Tasks less than 1 pomodoro should be added up
At Wiki-ed we often teach students and employees receiving workplace coaching about the Pomodoro Technique. For Dyslexic individuals it helps with time management and organisation. For those with ADHD it can be used to mix up parts of tasks to keep them driven and focussed, if there are 4 tasks to be completed in a day which each will need 2 pomodoros then its possible to do a different task for each pomodoro, mixing things up rather than having to power all the way through a task.

We have developed our own pomodoro sheet which is shown below.

  • On the right tasks to be done are listed and pomodoros estimated
  • To Do Today is headed with the number of pomodoros that will be in the given day
  • Tasks to be completed that day are then moved across to the To Do Today sheet
  • When a task is completed cross it off and change the pomodoro to green
  • If a task takes less than the estimated time, make a note of it next to the green pomodoros
  • If a task is added to another pomodoro put a + sign in
  • If you are interrupted during a task (briefly) a squiggle is added next to the pomodoros
  • When an interruption happens either write the new task into your activity inventory OR add it to the to do list under unplanned and urgent.

Pomodoro tracking sheet

At the end of the day:

  • Add up your completed pomodoros and note them
  • Move any uncompleted tasks to the Activity Inventory
  • Make a note of tasks that took more or less time than anticipated - it will help with future planning

Give it a try for a week by just downloading a Pomodoro timer and working in pomodoros. There are apps for mobiles, Alexa, web browser and computers. Once you have seen how well you can focus with this technique start recording it on a pomodoro sheet and see how you can maximise your focus and productivity.

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