Pomodoro method – The Secret Behind Powerful Productivity

I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say working with absolute focus for long periods is a very hard task.

Or is it?

Well it turns out you can drastically improve your work rate and work quality by applying a simple life hack using a tomato timer.

In this article, I’m going to show you what that technique is and how to do it.

What is the Pomodoro method?

The Pomodoro technique is a powerful productivity tool which was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late end of the 1980s.

You usually work in 25 min blocks followed by short breaks of around 5 mins.

These breaks are called Pomodoro’s.

After 4 Pomodoros you then take a longer break of around 15-30 mins.

The work time and breaks can be altered but this is the usual time for the Pomodoro method.

By grouping a number of Pomodoro’s together, you’ll be able can approach a project of any length, and massively improve your productivity, your focus, and you’ll better achieve your goals.

Also if you’re wondering why it’s called the Pomodoro technique or method

It’s because:

Pomodoro means Tomato in Italian.

And the creator Francesco Cirillo used a tomato timer.

What you can use the Pomodoro technique for?

Pomodoro technique for studying

It’s great for breaking up your study to freshen up the mind.

Short regular breaks every 25 minutes are proven to help with retention when studying.

Pomodoro technique for reading

Same goes for reading.

Reading in 25-minute blocks can help you stay focused on what you’re reading.

Otherwise, you can end up skimming and not really be paying attention to what you’re reading.

Pomodoro technique for working

This is the main reason people use the Pomodoro timer.

You can get really focused work done when using this method.

You’ll be able to work on the task at hand with laser focus.

Those short 5 minute breaks in between really do help give you a powerful work session.

How to use the Pomodoro method?

It’s really simple,

Just choose the intervals you will be using the Pomodoro method with.

Like I said before.

25 minute work sessions followed by 5 minute breaks usually works best.

Then set the Pomodoro timer,

Get working on the task at hand.

Then when the timer goes off, take a 5 min break.

Just make sure you have a longer break of around 20 minutes (or slightly longer) on the 4th interval.

That’s really important, so don’t skip that out.

Where to get a Pomodoro productivity timer?

Physical Timer:

If you’re like me and want one of those tomato shaped timers in your hand then you can get one on Amazon here.

They’re only $7.99 for the normal one.

You can even get a Star Wars BB-8 version.

Or if you want something a bit fancier, then you can get an luxury sandtimer version.

Also for me.

The physical act of winding the timer confirms the intent to start on the task;

The ticking externalizes my motivation to complete the task;

Then the ringing notifies a break.

That’s why I prefer to have a real one.

NOTE: A word of advice regarding the Tomato timer, the quality of some of the timers is a bit shabby so make sure you check the reviews before you get one.

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However you can still use,

Pomodoro Apps:

You can just use an app on your phone or just use a webpage version.

A website you can use is tomato-timer.com

It’s up to you what you use but the principles are still the same.

As long you give it a go, then you’ll experience the power of this in action.

Where to Learn more about the Pomodoro method?

If you want some further reading then there are a few books on the Pomodoro technique.

I got this book to learn more about it in depth,

It’s nice to learn a little more behind the use of this method but to be honest you’ve basically learned the essentials.

If you do want to learn more then you can see the top selling books here.

Either way.

If you just start implementing this approach to time management now,

Then you’ll be a master at focused work in no time.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this simple productivity hack.

If you do give it a go then please comment below and let me know how it’s worked for you.

Oh, one last thing.

If you found this helpful then please share it because someone else may also benefit from using the Pomodoro technique.

Thanks and speak soon 🙂