Most of us tend to struggle with procrastination, that noise in our minds that keeps us from doing what we should do. We say to ourselves "I must do this power point" and then cut to 15 minutes later and we're surfing the web looking at our friend's standing next to a Roman monument in a picture.

This is where the Pomodoro Technique comes in, it really can make all the diference in the world.

Introduction

It consists of creating 25 minutes blocks of work, that's a Pomodoro. And then taking a 5 minute break. You focus on the task at hand for those 25 minutes no matter what and then you take 5 minutes to relax, no matter what!

This is effective because since it's only 25 minutes your mind won't have an excuse not to focus at the task at hand.

Instead of having a huge to do list, that will require you to be focus for 9 hours straight, you and instead break it down into (let's say) 10 Pomodoro's a day. Much easier and more effective. Set a timer for 25 minutes at the time and start your productive day.

And that's it!! Pretty simple right?

The Rules!

As simple as the technique is, it only works if you follow some rules.

1. Rule #1: Only Complete Pomodoro's!

No incomplete Pomodoro's. No 80% of the time, no distractions in the middle, no finishing before the alarm goes of... only complete Pomodoro's. If you do get distracted, then cancel and start again...set your timer for another 25 minutes.

If you finish in 20 minutes, instead of 25... review your work.

1. Rule #2: Breaks are not optional!

You must take those 5 minute breaks. They are essencial for your mind to focus and for productivity to reach peak levels. And I do mean breaks, relaxing time. No half work things, no thinking abut you're next Pomodoro... a 5 minute Break!!

In addition to 5 minute breaks, you must also take a bigger break after the completion of 4 Pomodoro's. This is also very important, after a 4 Pomodoro session treat yourself to a 15 to 30 minute break.

Need a Timer and Two Lists!

1. Need a Timer to set your 25 and 5 minutes marks and two lists.
   The to do list and the inventory.

2. The to do list is your list of things to do today. Break it down into Pomodoro's. For exemple if you have a task that will take an hour to complete, you break it down in two Pomodoro's. Make 10 Pomodoro's a day.

3. The inventory is your long term List. What you what to achieve that week/ month/ year.

Your Greatest Enemy... Interruptions!

There are two kinds of distractions. Internal and External.

This will happen many times, guaranteed. Specially when you're starting using the technique. Good news is... you can deal with it.

Here is how.

1. For Internal interruptions:

When a taught pops into your head, just write it down in a piece of paper. Once your Pomodoro is complete look at it. Usually what seemed so important during the time, is actually not at all... only resistance playing with you.

1. For External interruptions.

If (let's say) a college comes to you to talk about the football game when you're in the middle of a pomodoro, just tell him you gonna be with him in 10 minutes. People will respect your concentration and work. Wait until your Pomodoro is over and talk to him. But again... many times you won't even talk... since many times, small talk is just another form of resistance.

Don't stop unless there is an earthquake.

Summary:

Basically The Pomodoro Technique is very simple and effective. Just need to divide your work into 25 minutes chops stay focus for those 25 minutes no matter what and then take 5 minutes to relax, no matter what.

Big projects will seem less overwhelming, you will get more done. And you will fell fresh at the start of every Pomodoro due to the break before.

As always, thank you for reading.Hope this was helpful in some way.

Let me know what you think? Have you tried it? Will you try it?

If you like it give it a Upvote!

Photos (except Logo) from Pixabay.com