The Pomodoro Technique
Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Workbench! Today, I share one of my go-to Workbench tools. I hope you enjoy this short episode!
Who knew that a red plastic tomato would start a productivity revolution? I didn’t. But when I ran across this idea in a blog post by a writer I admire – Nicole Bianchi – I took the lifeline it offered and haven’t let go since. And now, I recommend and use it in many situations.
For example, When I have too much to do at work and I don’t know where to start.
Or, When I need to focus but am feeling pushed for time.
Often, when I’m lollygagging but should be working.
And especially when I don’t want to get stuck doing too much housework.
Created by Francesco Cerillo in the 1980’s as a way to be more productive, The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method. the technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Each interval is known as a pomodoro, from the Italian word for ‘tomato’, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a university student. Thank you, Wikipedia.
The pomodoro technique is simple. Turn on a timer for 25 minutes and focus on the task in front of you. It’s great for writers as it can push us through the resistance that is writer’s block. It signals that it’s time for work It’s great for anyone with a long to-do list – after a few pomodoro periods, a variety of tasks can be checked off. It’s great for putting some boundaries around a planning or strategy session – it encourages economy of thought and sharpens thinking. In any situation where you want to focus on a task, but can’t give it an extended period of time, this can help move the work forward. When you are dealing with your Saturday house – you know – the battlefield that is your home after a busy week – you can set a goal to only do 2 pomodoro periods of cleaning before you get to go have fun.
This has become a regular tool in the Workbench Toolbox, especially for those of us who are 1) easily distracted or 2) have a lot going on, but still want to move our creative pursuits forward. Give it a try and see how it can help you with your productivity – at work and at home.
Thanks so much for listening! Join me tomorrow for another for a conversation with my friend David Morgan. We talk about music, career changes, his love of learning the Japanese language, and much more.
As always, sending love and light!
Resources:
- For a lot of great writing and writing advice: Check out Nichole Bianchi’s website: https://nicolebianchi.com/
- Link to Pomodoro Method: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique
Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash