…or how a timer can help you to be more efficient.
The Pomodoro Technique was created in the late 80’s, and is about working with a timer. A huge to do list can be daunting, but the Pomodoro technique can help you get through the list by breaking it down into manageable chunks.
It’s simple to do:
- Write down your to do list (e.g. “write post on pop up comments” “take photos for pomodoro post header“)
- Set the timer to 25 minutes (25 minutes is the typical period this technique uses)
- Work on only that task for the period
- When the timer goes off, take a short (usually 5 minutes) break – perhaps to faff on Twitter or check Facebook?
- Start again from Step 1 – after you’ve done a couple of the 25 minute periods, take a longer (usually 20 mins) break
It’s called the Pomodoro Technique because the person who came up with it used a timer in the shape of a tomato, and pomodoro is Italian for tomato.
I’ve been using this technique this weekend to get stuff done and it really helped – I have an app on my phone which counts down the 25 minutes, then allows me to choose a short or long break. You can find apps on iTunes, Android and Windows Mobile – I haven’t tried any of these, but if you find one you love, do share it in the comments!
