Pomodoro Technique

April 2021

Most of us have been there: you have an assignment due at midnight tonight, and you can’t seem to concentrate long enough to get to work. I should probably tell you to get to work after you read this article, because the “Pomodoro Technique” is here to save the day.

The technique was invented in the early 1990s by Francesco Cirillo while he was studying in college. It is named for the shape of timer he used, as pomodoro is Italian for tomato. Eventually, the Pomodoro spread across the world, and today, it has become one of the most popular productivity techniques.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

Here is how it’s done:

  1. Choose ONE task to work on.
  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.
  3. Fully concentrate on the task you choose for the 25 minutes, touching no distractions.
  4. Once the timer beeps, take a 5-minute break.
  5. Repeat steps 1-4 three more times.
  6. After completing four 25 minute sessions, or “Pomodoros,” you then take a 30-minute break.

How to improve your Pomodoro skills?

If you are already using the Pomodoro right now, that’s great! If you’re also getting bored with the Pomodoro, that’s also great! I have some tips to spice up your concentrating experience.

  1. Use different time intervals. Instead of doing the Pomodoro for 25 minutes with a 5-minute break, try using it for 50 or 90 minutes, and extend your break to match.
  2. Make a timetable on how many Pomodoro you should do in your day. By using this, you can better concentrate on what to do during your spare time each day.
  3. Estimate how many Pomodoros you need to complete a certain task. This would make things easier for you to concentrate on what is important and what you should do in your daily life.
  4. If you’re in the flow state at the end of a Pomodoro, don’t take a break—continue working. Don’t interrupt your flow!

Does it work?

In my personal experience, the Pomodoro technique has helped me study for multiple exams, complete many homework assignments, and even write the article you’re reading right now. You don’t have to take just my word for it, it has already helped many people get things done.

Now get to work and do that assignment!

— Billy Wikol