I want to share a little secret with you. Ok, maybe it is not a secret. Maybe you know about the Pomodoro Method. Maybe you have used it to help you get tasks done and give yourself a rewarding break for their completion. Even if you have tried the Pomodoro Method, like me, you may need a refresher. Let me break down this time and attention management technique into four steps.
1. Chose one task you need to do.
The point of the Pomodoro Method isn’t just to help you organize your time so that you know what to do and when. The Pomodoro Method helps you become more efficient with your time because it helps you develop a system for managing your attention and focus along with managing your time.
To make the most of the Pomodoro Method, it is important to select just one task to complete. Before beginning the task, consider how long it will take. You will have 25 minutes to give this task your undivided attention before you take a break. If you need longer than that, take the break anyway!
2. Set the timer for 25 minutes.
As you get to work on the one task you have selected, set the timer for 25 minutes. You can set a digital timer on your phone or a real tomato (Pomodoro, in Italian) timer. The timer is there to tell you when to take your break. You don’t have to think about how much time you have spent or how much time you have left. Just focus in on the one activity that you have selected.
It may take you a few rounds to get the hang of this new mode of time and attention management. During your first few rounds, jot down whatever is distracting you. You can work out a plan to control your distractions.
This will take some practice. Some rounds of 25 minutes will feel like an eternity. Other rounds the time will fly by! Don’t watch it tick down, just wait for it to ring and invite you to take a break!
3. When the timer rings, take a short (under 5-minute) break.
Whether a digital or physical break, make a change. Stand up and stretch, grab a drink of water and a handful of almonds (my snack break of choice), check your social media feeds-but only if you can wrestle yourself away after just 5 minutes!
Over time you will learn what bite-sized activities are best for these short breaks. As you get started with the method, jot down notes about which break activities worked and which broke your momentum. To keep yourself honest and keep your positive task-energy going, set a 5-minute timer and be sure to get back to the task for your next round.
4. After Four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.
Four Pomodoro rounds make up a set. After you have completed a full set, reward yourself with a longer (20-30 minute) break.
20 to 30 minutes will allow you time to get out of your task-oriented mindset and have a real mental break. During this longer break, you will find a different set of activities to allow you to reward yourself for four strong study sessions.
When your longer break is done, start over and complete another set of four Pomodoros. Now you are well on your way to completing your tasks!