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The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It’s named after the Italian word for tomato (“pomodoro”) because Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer as his personal timer when he first experimented with this technique.

The original technique has six steps:

  1. Decide on the task to be done.
  2. Set the Pomodoro timer (typically for 25 minutes).
  3. Work on the task.
  4. End work when the timer rings and take a short break (typically 5–10 minutes).
  5. Go back to Step 2 and repeat until you complete four pomodoros.
  6. After four pomodoros are done, take a long break (typically 20 to 30 minutes) instead of a short break. Once the long break is finished, return to step 2.

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The technique is quite simple yet effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

  1. Choose a Task: Select the task you want to work on. It could be anything from studying, writing, programming, or even household chores.
  2. Set the Timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes. This timeframe is called a “Pomodoro.” During this time, focus solely on the chosen task without any distractions.
  3. Work on the Task: Start the timer and work on your task with complete concentration until the timer rings.
  4. Take a Short Break: When the 25 minutes are up, take a short break of around 5 minutes. Use this time to relax, stretch, grab a drink, or do something unrelated to the task.
  5. Repeat the Pomodoro: After the short break, start another Pomodoro (25 minutes of work) on the same task. Repeat this cycle.
  6. Longer Breaks: After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of around 15-30 minutes. This longer break is a reward for your focused work.

If you finish a task while the Pomodoro is still ticking, the following rule applies: If a Pomodoro begins, it has to ring. It’s a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity for overlearning, using the remaining portion of the Pomodoro to review or repeat what you’ve done, make small improvements, and note what you’ve learned until the Pomodoro rings.

After task completion in a Pomodoro, any remaining time should be devoted to activities, for example:

  1. Review your work just completed (optional)
  2. Review the activities from a learning point of view (ex: What learning objective did you accomplish? What learning outcome did you accomplish? Did you fulfill your learning target, objective, or outcome for the task?)
  3. Review the list of upcoming tasks for the next planned pomodoro time blocks, and start reflecting on or updating them.

This technique is effective because it promotes focused work in short, manageable intervals while allowing for regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.

When you work with Ethan E. Wise, MA this will be one of the approaches integrated into your life on your path to success.

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