*Promodo Technique*
*What is it?*
The Pomodoro Technique was developed in the late 1980s, by the Italian, Francesco Cirillo as a time management technique. One main characteristic of this now classic technique is the use of a cooking alarm, used to mark periods of 25 minutes in which to concentrate.
The technique was given the Italian name ‘Pomodoro’ (tomato) due to the kitchen alarm that Cirillo had at the time. Which was in the shape of a red tomato. Cirillo called every 25-minute time period a ‘Pomodoro’.
*Benefits*
The Pomodoro time management technique has a number of advantages. Apart from learning how to deal with both internal and external distractions, the tendency to postpone work is also prevented. Because you focus on the task which needs to be completed within 25 minutes, you are able to work much faster and distractions are minimised. This results in better work satisfaction and means that the work can be more structured.
In addition, complex tasks can be divided into smaller subdivisions, which gives you a better overview and more motivation to start the larger job. This is motivating and energising. Finally, you get a better insight into the number of tasks and the time that each task will take.
*5 Steps*
The Pomodoro Technique consists of five steps, which means it is important to follow these steps carefully and seriously and only take the designated breaks.
*Step 1 – Determine the tasks*
Knowing which tasks should be done in advance gives a helpful overview. By writing all the activities out on paper, people know exactly what needs to be done. None of the activities should be worried about in your head, they should all be out on paper.
*Step 2 – Determine the order*
It is now time to make an inventory of all the tasks from the list and to make sure that each activity takes no more or less than exactly 25 minutes. Then the tasks, called Pomodoros, should be placed in order of priority. This means that tasks that have the highest priority come first and must therefore be carried out first.
*Step 3 – Getting Started*
Now it’s time to really get started. The moment of setting the Pomodoro Timer means the first task will be performed. When using a smartphone timer, it is good to make sure that there is no incidental chances to look at the phone and all the attractive distractions therein. An irritating ticking cooking alarm may also be distracting. It needs to be a proper timer or stopwatch. By respecting the Pomodoro Technique, you are able to stay focused on the task.
*Step 4 – Short break*
Here comes the moment for a small reward; the 25 minutes are over and the task is done. This means that the task can be crossed off the list and a short break of 3 to 6 minutes can be taken. That’s exactly enough time to satisfy the need for a break and to prepare you mentally for the next task. Continue in the same way until four Pomodoros are completed. Including the short breaks this means almost two hours of work.
*Step 5 – Long break*
After finishing four Pomodoros, the time has come for a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. That’s just enough time to refuel, chat with a colleague, take a short walk or have something to eat. Then start the next block of two hours, starting again at step 3. At the end of the working day, it is a good idea to have a task list (steps 1 and 2) ready for the next day, so that you can start the tasks immediately and purposefully.