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The Pomodoro Technique

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By on May 14th, 2013

It sounds so simple, and yet its impact is profound. It’s a straightforward way to get into Production Mode and get project work done on time.

Here is the technique, as described on PomodoroTechnique.com:

The basic unit of work in the Pomodoro Technique® can be split in five simple steps:

  1. Choose a task to be accomplished
  2. Set the Pomodoro to 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)
  3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings, then put a check on your sheet of paper
  4. Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)
  5. Every 4 Pomodoros take a longer break

And here’s one essential rule: no interruptions. No email, no phone, no Facebook, no snacks, no bathroom breaks. Just 25 minutes of flow.

This simple technique does so much:

The capacity planning power of the Pomodoro Technique is particularly valuable. For example, when I plan to finish this blog post in 2 pomodoros, that’s how long it takes. If I don’t plan, it takes longer–or little tasks linger all day.

If a kitchen timer is too old school for you, there are apps for your Android phone (we recommend Pomodroido and Pomodroido Pro), iPhone/iPad, and desktop.

This week, try the Pomodoro Technique to complete that big presentation.

  • Linda Zuk

    I’ve been telling my clients to do this for 15 years :)   One of my clients nearly had a heart attack when I suggested that she work uninterrupted for 15 or 20 minutes.  She was a mortgage broker and had been trained to pick up the phone every time it rang.

    I backed-off and the next time I saw her she told me ‘You’ve changed my life!’  She had started with 15 minutes of uninterruped work and was up to 25.  She loved being able to concentrate on what she was doing, stay in the flow and get something accomoplished.  She would then answer emails and phone calls and her clients still received excellent customer service.  Great article (again!)

    • http://www.truefruit.com/ Veronica Brown

      Linda, that’s a great story! I think we tend to assume that our clients won’t feel well-served unless we pick up the phone on the first ring–they are really more tolerant than that–especially since they get our *full attention* when we call back, ready to serve them.

      I’ve heard the same type of story from other folks in the mortgage industry–their jobs are an intense combination of Service and Production Modes.