The Pomodoro Technique: How to Get Things Done When You Don’t Know Where to Start

(Reading Time: 4 Minutes)

Do you feel intimidated by how much you have to do?

Perhaps you have that feeling where you don’t know where to start and you waste time trying to organize yourself when in reality you are simply procrastinating and avoiding getting things done?

Many people struggle when they see a mountain of tasks in front of them.  This can be incredibly stressful and people in these situations often say that they feel out of control.  These feelings are common in both the workplace and at home.  For those of us with busy personal lives and a busy job, the feelings can be totally overwhelming.

In this article we take a look at the Pomodoro Technique, a tried and tested method for getting organised and boosting productivity that can be used in both our personal and working lives.  Once mastered this technique can be used to transform even 20 minutes of dead time into a productivity goldmine.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

Developed in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, the Pomodoro Technique was devised to address several time management issues.

Cirillo believed that by working in long stretches of time both, the mind and the body suffer. In particular, he noted that in the latter part of the working day that we are all less productive when we work in this manner.

He found that people lost significant amounts of time to seemingly minor interruptions which, when added together, amounted to a large portion of the day.

Cirillo also felt that some people are chronic procrastinators, in other words, they try to avoid working on some tasks even when they know that they need to be done.

The Pomodoro Technique was designed with these issues in mind and this popular technique is now used by millions of people the world over who marvel at its simplicity and efficiency.

In short, the Pomodoro Technique:

• makes you focus and be accountable for what you need to get done
• stops you procrastinating and makes you take action
• breaks bigger tasks down into much smaller jobs so that they feel manageable
• stops frustration, because you are actually productive, you get things done and then move them off your list.

A summary of the Pomodoro Technique

The beauty of the Pomodoro Technique is that it costs nothing to put into practice. All you need are a timer and some sheets of paper.

In essence, all productive time is broken up into slots lasting for 25 minutes, otherwise known as Pomodoro’s, the Italian word for tomato – named after the original kitchen timer used by Cirillo.

Each Pomodoro (25-minute slot) is separated by a 5-minute break.

After working for four consecutive Pomodoro’s a longer break of 15 – 20 minutes is taken.

When working during each Pomodoro you are only permitted to focus on the task at hand. You must not be distracted by any other interruptions such as checking emails or social media.

The timer does several things, it instils a sense of urgency and you will see your productivity increase, it also reminds you when you need to take a break so that your productive rate is maintained.

Tips:

• Like starting anything new expect some growing pains.  Changing habits takes time and effort.  It may take several days to get used to.
• One of the biggest challenges is estimating how much time tasks take to complete. It is perfectly normal for this to take a while to get right.  As you use this technique more often you will likely find that your productivity increases and that you start to work faster.
• Working in the right environment is critical.  Limit the distractions by turning off your phone, shutting down email, etc.  Be clear with yourself about how many hours you are going to work.  Whilst you need to be strict with yourself, and not ignore the timer, there will be distractions.  Roll with these and get back into the rhythm as soon as you can.
• Some people report that implementing the Pomodoro Technique can be difficult if you have regular meetings.  Some people choose to use the technique when they have a stretch of blocked time.  Others fit it in when they can.  Don’t see anything less than 25 minutes as wasted time.  Be prepared to be flexible and set the timer for a shorter Pomodoro.  You’ll be amazed how much time you can find in your day.
• Once they have mastered the technique others choose to work for longer Pomodoro’s.  Some people choose to use music as a timer and make themselves playlists.  There is lots of flexibility to be incorporated here.
• One of the real benefits of the Pomodoro Technique is that it makes you conscious of your health during the working day.  Make the most of your breaks – stand up and take a short walk.  Get outside on longer breaks.  When you are not at work make sure that you do take the time to engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.  Balance in life is really important.
• Many people often see reflection and evaluation as an added extra.  It’s not – this is where the learning really happens.  Make sure that you invest time in this.  You will see that this is worthwhile as you become more productive.