Pomodoro Technique

TechExec Week 18 - Wednesday Edition

Author

Gaurav Singh
August 09, 2023

(Total read time: 3 minutes)

Hey there,

Welcome to Week 18 of TechExec - the newsletter that turbocharges your growth to become a Tech Executive!

Guess what? The third episode of the Careers Not Ladders podcast is out. It features the incredibly talented and super-smart Malory McLemore, whom everyone should know. Her journey from being a female engineer in a male-dominated industry to starting a company and raising VC money is truly inspiring. Do check it out! The YouTube link is below. Consider subscribing to the YouTube channel and liking and/or commenting on this video😄.

As always, we are sharing a new set of BLTs this week

  • 💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

  • 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

  • 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

Here is the schedule:

Monday —>💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

Wednesday —> 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

Friday —> 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

This week we covered Blue Ocean Strategy on Monday, and we will cover Wireframing on Friday.

Today’s lifestyle advice is on the Pomodoro Technique!

💼 L - Pomodoro Technique

This is going to sound silly, but when I first heard about the Pomodoro technique, I thought it was a way of making pasta. Instead, it’s a time management method — a productivity hack!

Invented in the late 80s by a man named Francesco Cirillo, the Pomodoro Technique is named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used as a university student. No, really. This isn't some fancy-schmancy scientific term or pretentious Latin phrase. It's just a cute little tomato timer!

The idea behind the Pomodoro Technique is deceptively simple: work in short, focused bursts, followed by short breaks. More specifically, you set your tomato timer (or any timer, really) for 25 minutes and then focus on one task and one task only. No checking emails, no scrolling through Instagram, no painting your nails, and no training your goldfish to do tricks. Just 25 minutes of undisturbed, concentrated work!

When the timer rings, you take a five-minute break – stretch your legs, grab a coffee, do a little dance – whatever floats your boat. After completing four of these 25-minute work periods, or "pomodoros", you then take a longer break of about 15-30 minutes.

Sounds simple right? Well, as it turns out, simple is often most effective. The Pomodoro Technique works wonders for productivity because it forces us to single-task (the antithesis of our beloved multi-tasking), reduces distractions and maintains high levels of focus and energy throughout the day.

Now, this goes without saying, but you should customize the time blocks as per your comfort. For example, a 5-minute break doesn’t do anything for me. So I work for like 45 minutes and then take a 15-minute break.

Now that you've got the basics down, here are a few tips on how to get the most out of this juicy technique:

  • Stick to the timer: Resist the temptation to keep working when the timer goes off. You're not being lazy; you're giving your brain time to recharge so you can maintain high productivity levels.

  • Be disciplined about interruptions: If someone tries to interrupt you during a pomodoro, politely tell them you'll get back to them when your timer goes off.

  • Choose tasks wisely: Not every task is suitable for a pomodoro. Choose tasks that require deep focus and can be completed in one or two pomodoros.

  • Don't skip breaks: Even if you feel like you don't need one, take that break! Your brain will thank you for it.

  • Use a physical timer: There's something satisfying about setting a physical timer and hearing it tick down. It adds an element of fun and tangibility to the process.

Takeaway: The Pomodoro Technique emphasizes working in 25-minute intervals, or "pomodoros," followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, a more extended 15-30 minute break is taken. It's a focused, anti-multitasking approach that reduces distractions and maintains energy levels. Personalization is key; adjust intervals to suit your rhythm. Stay committed to the timer, manage interruptions, and choose tasks wisely. Don't skimp on breaks – they recharge your brain. For a tangible touch, use a physical timer to track your progress.

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