I just came across a method of time management called The Pomodoro Technique. An Italian productivity consultant named Francesco Cirillo came up with it in 1980, using a timer shaped like a tomato, hence “pomodoro”.
Research has shown that the brain can focus intently for 25 minutes but then needs a break. So, Cirillo's idea is to break up a large task, like writing a book, into 25 minute segments. Each segment is called a pomodoro.
Here's how it works:
Research has shown that the brain can focus intently for 25 minutes but then needs a break. So, Cirillo's idea is to break up a large task, like writing a book, into 25 minute segments. Each segment is called a pomodoro.
Here's how it works:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work until it rings.
- Put a check mark on a piece of paper.
- Take a three- to five-minute break (not work-related).
- Repeat until you have 4 check marks.
- Take a 15- to 30-minute break. The brain will rest and recoup, ready for the next round.
Using this method tells the brain there is a sense of urgency—time ticking down. And this in turn creates a sharper focus on the task.
So, how many pomodoros should you/could you do in a day? Well, that depends on you. If the job is boring, you might only do 8. If you are enjoying yourself and are on a roll, you might have a fabulous day and complete 16!
In any case, completing each pomodoro will motivate you to do another, and another. Keeping track in your Day-Timer of how many you complete each day will further motivate you. And keeping track will show you just how much you have accomplished.
This is a very simple tool to use and is guaranteed to motivate you to GET TO WORK!
So, how many pomodoros should you/could you do in a day? Well, that depends on you. If the job is boring, you might only do 8. If you are enjoying yourself and are on a roll, you might have a fabulous day and complete 16!
In any case, completing each pomodoro will motivate you to do another, and another. Keeping track in your Day-Timer of how many you complete each day will further motivate you. And keeping track will show you just how much you have accomplished.
This is a very simple tool to use and is guaranteed to motivate you to GET TO WORK!
Dominique "Nik" Petersen is a published author, graphic designer, and part-time food photographer. For more information, visit the website at www.NikDesignsGraphics.com and Facebook at
www.Facebook.com/NiksBooks or www.Facebook.com/NiksPikks
She can be reached at NikDesignsGraphics@yahoo.ca
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