The Pomodoro Technique has been around for a long time, and it has many devout followers. For those of you unfamiliar with this time management/productivity technique, here it is broken down into its basic steps:
- Choose a task.
- Set a timer to 25 minutes.
- Work on the task until the timer goes off.
- Record the time spent on the task with an “x”.
- Take a short break, say…5 minutes.
- Repeat the above process four times.
- After every four tasks completions ( or “pomodoros”), take a longer break – anywhere between 15–20 minutes.
Essentially, you’re breaking your work down into manageable chunks, but those chunks are defined by the time over and above the task.
For example, if you have a task that takes longer than 25 minutes to complete, then the rigidity of the system forces you to step away from it for 5 minutes and actually prompts you to move on to another task. So when you start your day (or take the time on the day before to plan your day), you need to work out “pomodoros” with the knowledge that you have 25 minutes or less to work on it at any given time.
I’m not a fan of systems that are that rigid. While The Pomodoro Technique can force you to work on something every day, it only allows for 25 minutes of time. And while the technique is said to promote mental agility, focus and flow, I find that setting up time constraints as such can actually hinder flow because of the knowledge that the timer is going to ring right when you’re in the state of flow.
I do like the low-tech aspect of The Pomodoro Technique, so there’s that. Then again, I’m a bit of a pen and paper junkie.
As someone who has a lot going on, I think that planning the day – especially the day before – is a great idea (and even a must). But I like to have Big Rocks (hat tip to Leo Babauta) to smash through – and The Pomodoro Technique either won’t allow me to do that at all or it forces me to break down them into smaller chunks. And then there’s that timer. Always with the timer.
I like to have Little Rocks as well on my daily task list. I speak about this a bit more on Episode 11 of Mikes on Mics, but I look at those as the tasks that help me build up to a level where I can take on the Big Rocks. The Little Rocks not only let me stockpile my energy, but they let feel like I’ve got some things done before I get on to the important things. Mind you, if you spend all of your time on the Little Rocks, then you run out of time to take on the Big Rocks. But I don’t think a timer will help you out with that. Willpower and discipline are far better tools to use — and they can be applied in far more areas of your life than a tomato timer can.
I gave The Pomodoro Technique a shot for a long time. I have a kitchen timer that I used for it. I had apps I downloaded for it. I had a plug-in for it when I used Google Chrome (which I uninstalled long before I started to really kiss Google goodbye).1 But I’m not a fan of multitasking, and to me The Pomodoro Technique is just multitasking hidden behind the illusion of singletasking. It is a distraction unto itself, which isn’t what a system should be. A system should work in the background, acting as a foundation for freedom rather than acting as a warden for productivity prison.2
Photo credit: Luca Moscaro (CC BY-SA 2.0)
1 But I steered clear of Pomodorium. Not a fan of gamificaion, especially when it comes to time management.
2 But is it right for you? There’s more on The Pomodoro Technique in this article over at Lifehack.org.
I think Pomodorro was invented for people who, in fact want to beat procastination. As we know procastination occurs when you can’t focus on job that you supposed to do. Pomodorro forces you to work in chunks (25 min) of time with a little reward at the end of every chunk (the break). That’s fine tool when wan to build up your focus. When you are already focused on a task or job this assumption (to get you focused) simply is not needed anymore. So then you can give up on Pomodorro. It’s simple tool to overcome procastination.
@tomaszgibaThis is a valid point. The problem lies in when you try to leave Pomodoro behind. Can one break the 25 minute habit? I’m not so sure.I think this technique is too limiting for a lot of people, and I truly wonder if they don’t get stuck in the system as a result.
@mikevardyAs every habit, Pomodoro can become a burden. And yes, breaking 25 minutes habit can be difficult to overcome as well as not-working-at-all habit. But, it’s still a behavior that you can modify.The willpower and discipline you mentioned (in your post) are ultimate solution to Procrastinationproblem – True. But, for various reasons (at least, they are not clear for me) great number of people somehow lack them. That’s fine with me, people may have their reason to it. Pomodoro is for them.Keep in mind that there are many things that are part of productive person. My theory is, people may not do their best at work when something in their life doesn’t “allow” them. This can be everything, from personal life, working environment to having a health problem, you name it.But, when that obstacle is simply taken away. You no longer need any technique to enjoy what you are doing and keep that laser focus on your goal. Then, I believe it will be way easier to leave framework you decided to use (Pomodoro) than it was to start using it.
@tomaszgibaGreat points. I think that adapting the framework to suit your style is something we all should do more of. Let these types of systems be a guideline rather than a rule. Thanks again for reaching out and taking part in the discussion!
Actually for me the pomodoro technique does the opposite of making me dependent on it. At one point in my life, I was having a very difficult time being motivated, focused, and productive while working. I did some research and found the pomodoro technique. I tried it out with good results. It really did help me to focus and be productive. It helps me build momentum and get into a productive rhythm. Eventually one I build up this momentum, the system does feel very irritating and limiting. But if I keep to it long enough it helps build, not weaken my concentration muscles. Then I can stop using it for weeks at a time before getting into a rut again. One problem with the technique is it is a victim of its own success. The idea and technique behind only focusing on one thing for 25 minutes works so well, that when the timer goes off at the end of the 25 minutes, I am usually at the height of my concentration, productivity, and enjoyment of the task at hand. I am going to try starting my day with a 25 minute session, and then increasing this by 10 minutes each session, and see how I do with that. Perhaps halfway through my day, I will also lower it by 10 minutes per session.
I’m not much of a Pomodoro freak myself but it’s useful in getting things done, especially unfinished blogs. The first Pomodoro session allows say a blogger to let off the useless, mindless blather that usually exists when you’re trying to write. The key always is having the discipline to follow up with a second or a third, or even a fourth Pomodoro session. Having said that, a 25-minute sessions can be too limiting especially when you’re in the so-called zone. You’re forced to take a break even if you’re mind doesn’t really want to.
[…] setting time alottments up for said tasks.Before I get into how I use 30/30, let me remind you that Im not a fan of The Pomodoro Technique. Its not because of the fact that it involves the timing of tasks and breaks, but its how it […]
I enjoyed reading your post (minus the point where I screamed in horror at the thought of saying goodbye to Google), but that last bit about multitasking makes me suspect that you and I have varying ideas about what the Pomodoro technique is aiming to do. For me, the purpose of the technique is to PREVENT multitasking. Let’s face it, everyone sucks at multitasking, and we end up meandering and losing time and attention. Regular, 25-minute beeps helps me to remember what I’m supposed to be doing, and refocus my attention on it.I DO agree with your point about the rigidity, though. I’ve had a number of times when I was hip-deep in a task and the timer sounded and I really just wanted to push through and finish it. I suppose no system is perfect.
@ashmenonYou do make a good point, but the rigidity of the technique is what keeps me away from it and using an app like @3030Appinstead. I’d give it a go if you’re looking to escape the inflexibility of PT. My pal MSchechteralso talked about Pomodorable over at his website in this post (http://bettermess.com/the-potential-of-pomodorable/). Have you looked at it at all?
It seems to me most of the comments here assume that only procrastinators use pomodoros. I use them because I’m a workaholic, and once I sit down to work I don’t get up unless the office is on fire. The reason I use pomodoros is so that I give myself 2 five minute breaks every hour of work. I get up, stretch, get my mind off of things, and even if I hate the rigidity of the system and the way it’s getting me out of my workflow, it’s helping me focus better afterwards and reminds me that working on 110% isn’t always the best idea. Just my two cents, even if I’m a bit late to the discussion.
Thanks for chiming in!
I agree that not all PT users are struggling with procrastination. I’ve heard from many that they have so much to do that they shift from task to task without getting to completion. I’m not a fan of the rigidity myself, but that’s because i’m a creative and the 25 minutes can really kill flow. But if you’re undisciplined — creative or otherwise — the structure of PT can be a huge help.
Again, thanks for reading!
The 5 minute break is there if you want it, I pride myself on most of the time have a quick 30sec-1 minute breakand then getting back to it to smash out another pomodoro with undivided attention.
I would not advocate switching to another task for the next pomodoro unless you have completed what you set out to achieve.
Also be specific with the task, specific enough that you can actually complete it’s scope within 4 pomodoros. That way you create flow and keep pushing forward hard.
It definitely is a great system for those that work it hard and need to GSD.
Anyway, I gotta get back to a Pomodoro now guys. Ciao
Hot tip: mash up pomodoro technique with rescuetime, to get a more high level view of how you are going with your time management each day/week.
I think that, as with anything, The Pomodoro Technique can be useful in various situations. For me, it’s only useful in its purest form for tasks I am no fond of doing but need to get done.
(You also aren’t using in its purest form because you are supposed to switch tasks after each pomodoro to promote nueroplasticity. But that’s fine.)
I’m glad it works for you in more instances than it does for me. I think that it’s a technique that has its place and time.
1. This technique helped me get trough my second semester in college.
2. It helps me get over with task that I don’t like doing so much.
And that’s what the technique is for. If you are passinate about your task, you will probably not need this. Otherwise its a great tool to get over with the task you don’t like so much.
Using it can also train disciplin and strenghten willpower. Especially for people who lack willpower it won’t be possible to get productive by force. It’s like trying to lift a 300 pound barbell as a beginner. First you have to train your power to even get to that point.
Really? Couldn’t you just skip a break, start a new timer and continue your work? There are some good points here, but I think the argument in the post is too narrow. The technique provides a guardrail so that you can focus completely on one thing without worrying about anything else. If you started the timer, you know that you can continue to work without missing any commitments so long as it’s running.
Also, time is limited. If you take 4 hours to complete a task that you thought would take one hour, you need to know that in the future. The Pomodoro Technique is a lot more than the 25-minute segments. The feedback and awareness you get by measuring work in 25-minute increments are extremely valuable. Reading the post and the comments, as simple as the technique is, it sounds like it hasn’t been applied as intended. Who taught the author that you can only spend 25 minutes on any one task.
I don’t agree with the notion of “passion” as the antidote to getting work done. Even passionate pursuits require tasks to be completed that are not inspiring. The important benefit with the Pomodoro Technique is to gain awareness of the time you have, how you are using it and being free to focus 100% on the technique.
Sounds like Simon Hill gets it. Any Rigidity with the technique appears to be self-imposed. I can get a lot of work done without the Pomodoro Technique, but I don’t have anywhere near the same level of control and I expend more effort balancing large backlogs of other tasks without the technique. Some people are OK letting responsibilities fall through the cracks, but I prefer to be deliberate about what I do and don’t do and to spend my time deliberately.
Regarding problems with the technique, planning your day and moving things around on paper is a chore. I also think it’s hard to keep track of how well I’m progressing through my day compared to my original plan for the day. But I don’t blame the technique for that. For me, it’s just a limitation of a manual system. Either way, it’s a lot more reliable than willpower.
Hi Mike and everyone,
I found your article when purposely looking for a lively discussion regarding Pomodor, – having recently tried using their desktop timer for about a month when I had to urgently get myself back into proper working mode – and found that while it definitely helped me it get back into working mode this past month (as my workload suddenly increased), it soon became too annoying and restricting for me, as I work far, far better when in flow. I do creative writing and illustration of my own kids’ books, as well as translation, editing and proofreading work. It would not have even occurred to me to try to use an outer ticking clock when writing or painting, but I did try it for the other “work-work” as I saw you called it in another article.
Increasingly I found myself ignoring the break sign and deferring it to after about 50 minutes, and found it annoying that I couldn’t find a way to set the timing myself as it suited me.
I can relate to what someone else said here, that it’s not a bad idea to use it for the annoying “must do but don’t feel like it” tasks, where restricting the time actually helps me to mentally embrace the task ahead.
But I came to feel that while the technique is a *good inspiration* for me to structure my time better and take intentional breaks, it is too rigid for me to really help me over the long run.
And then… last week I was recommended https://www.noisli.com/ and find that for me, being creative but also extremely easily disturbed by annoying environmental sounds, it is a MUCH more suitable and helpful alternative to Pomodoro, plus it has a wonderful “quiet distraction free editor” (I personally love taking pen and paper out to nature for truly creative writing sessions, but this is a lovely idea if one prefers an editor), it’s all designed really nicely – and best of all, I can set the timer *myself* to suit my true needs, so it’s a great combination of taking responsibility for my time and giving myself the space I need to work in.
I warm heartedly recommend it for anyone who’s in any way like me…
And thank you so much for generating this discussio, I found it really enlightening and I think what shines through is how different people’s needs are at different times…
Tomer
P.S, I’ve just seen that in their “about Noisili” they explain you can actually use “noisily” as a help and support to use the Pomodoro technique in a more deliberate, personally-adapted and distraction free manner… just saying… 🙂
I’m not sure what kind of work you folks do, but I’m extremely lucky if I have a solid 25 minutes to work on any task without interruption. This method is precisely the kind of thing to help me focus and make me say “NO” to people while actually ticking things off the priority list.
It’s a technique that can work for some – perhaps in your situation – but not all. The Pomodoro Technique does set boundaries, which is good. My problem is that the boundaries are too rigid.
I’d also take a look and see where you can curb interruptions in your workday and set boundaries to mitigate those when and where you can. To be fair, I’m not sure what kind of work you do so I can’t possibly provide a way to do that. But if you’d share that, perhaps I can help in some way.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I didn’t read through all of the comments, so I might be redundant here…
All of the software I have used (and I have tried out at least 4 or 5) let you define how long a Pomodoro is, how long the breaks are, how often, etc – everything is customizable to fit the end user’s work flow.
My current tools of choice are Trello cards using Pomello to track the Pomodoros.
https://trello.com/
http://pomelloapp.com/
If you cannot get work done, then the technique is for you. People who can set goals and stick to them will not benefit from the technique because it will create boundaries which hamper creativity.
I know I cannot get anything done if I do not have boundaries. Every time I set time limits I start to get things done. I am not and have never been a creative person. That explains why the technique benefits me.
You, on the other hand, are running a successful blog. You are creative; consequently, I do not see it benefiting someone like you.
Like many things in life, this one is specific to the individual. It is not a technique for all. It will help some and harm others. You have to choose based on if you think it will benefit you or not.
Plenty of Pomodoro timers allow you to change the work time. Maybe a 1-hour or even 90-minute Pomodoro would be better for some. Maybe your break is however long you want it to be, or maybe you don’t take a break at all. The official Pomodoro method should just be a guideline, an adaptable structure.
With that said, I do have my issues with the Pomodoro method in general, irrespective of the actual time being used. I’ve used the Pomodoro method to great success on some days, and others, everything falls apart. One big issue is that if I finish a task in the middle of a Pomodoro, what the heck am I supposed to do for the remaining 12, 10, 7, etc., minutes? Here, the rigidity is a problem, even if I love the simplistic timing in theory.
There is no rigidity its totally flexible. In those 10 minutes in between focus on the next task. Or just take a longer break.
I just started using the pomodoro technique and i always don’t not stop at 25 mins.
I stop when that small part of work is completed, for example like a single topic if it takes me 45mins for the topic to complete it i complete it ignoring the timer and take a break. sometimes it’s 15 mins of working and i take a break its all in its flexibility if you want to take full Advantage of it cause I’m seeing drastic results by this modified version of the technique
You dont have to move on to another task after the 25 minutes. You can choose what to focus on.
This is amazing so you give yourself breaks throughout the day.
Take time to meditate, time to go for a walk, time to read something inspiration.
This will ensure that you dont burn out, are more productive and are incoporating self care throughout the day.
Interesting post. I’m new to pomodoro techinque, but I’m really enjoying it. I was very sceptical at first and had similar concerns as you. I mean, 25 minutes seem to be quite random, not long enough etc. But I noticed an interesting thing. Whenever I’m immersed in my work and it’s going well, I absolutely hate to take a break. However, the trick is that I’m actually looking forward to the new pomodoro – not looking forward to the break, as I tend to do. I think I’ll stick to pomodoro for a while 😉