Limit Distractions With The Pomodoro Technique
This is part of my Tech Workers' Guide To Distraction Free Work
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple way to manage your time created by Francesco Cirillo1.
Here’s how it works: Decide on a task and set a timer for 25 minutes. Focus solely on the task at hand. When your time is up, take a 5-minute break. Afterward, decide on a new task (or continue with the previous one) and set the timer.
Each 25-minute interval of work is called a Pomodoro, the Italian word for ‘tomato.’ Each Pomodoro is followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, take an extended break, e.g., 15-30 minutes.
Personally, I use this technique when I feel overwhelmed. I may even shrink the work portion down to 10 minutes. I ask, What can I do in the next 10 minutes?
Working for 10 minutes builds positive momentum and leads to another 10 minutes, and another. This is far better than spending a morning (or a day!) on Reddit.
Take action: Experiment with the Pomodoro Technique and see if you get more work done.
Sources
Tech Workers' Guide To Distraction Free Work
Common Problems
Principles
Practices: Just Say No
- Just say No
- Stop Looking For Drama
- Beware Of Taking On Extra Responsibility
- Make an “I won’t do” list
Practices: Say Yes
- Track your distractions
- Stay focused with a To Do list
- Make a “Big Rock” list
- Follow the 2-minute rule
- Try the Pomodoro Technique
- Make a list of questions
Practices: Control Your Physical Environment
- Find your Den of Productivity
- Eliminate distracting belongings
- Limit disruptive noise
- Listen to music
- Silence your phone
Practices: Control Your Digital Environment
- Close your email
- Leave social media
- Close your browser tabs
- Limit distractions from Slack
- Try an app blocker
Practices: Get Organized
What do books say about distraction free work?
“You could try to pound your head against the wall and think of original ideas — or you can cheat by reading them in books.”
—Patrick Collison