The Pomodoro Technique is an Activation Technique for managing your motivation and keeping you on track with specific tasks. The goal is to help get you started through using an external structure when motivation is low and to keep you focused when energy is low and/or distractibility is high.
How Does It work?
[A pomodoro is a time/task block. 1 Pomodoro = 25 minutes of work with a 5 minute break.]
- Make a list of tasks and allocate how many pomodoros each will take.
- Set the timer to 25 minutes and work solely on one task until the timer rings. (The App “Focus Keeper” is a specific Pomodoro timer.)
- Take a 5 minute break.
- Move onto the next 25-minute pomodoro and keep repeating the process.
- After every fourth pomodoro, take a longer break.
Although you always do one task per pomodoro you can vary the number of pomodoros in a row before a longer break. In addition, you can try a different strategy around changing tasks; do the same task in consecutive pomodoros until finished or purposely change with each new block. Keeping to the same task allows for focus and continuity, but changing can help stay stimulated and refreshed.
Why Does This Work?
- By breaking work into small focused periods the work can seem more manageable
- By taking planned breaks you will have an end in sight if frustration or fatigue creeps in
- Separating the doing of tasks from the planning reduces the level of decision making and energy needed when it is low
Read our Blog about Procrastination.
The tools outlined are intended as supporting materials for developing greater self-understanding and building capacity. They are in no way meant to replace seeking support from a qualified professional.
