Does the Pomodoro Productivity Technique Work? Here’s What You Should Know

The first time I learned about the Pomodoro Technique, I was standing in my manager’s office as she was staring at a tomato. She believed it would improve her focus and productivity. I remember being very confused and asking myself, “How in the world will this tomato help her get work done more efficiently?” Turns out, she was onto something. Francesco Cirillo was actually the first to realize this.

Cirillo was a student at Rome’s business school when he developed the Pomodoro Technique. How did the tomato-timer come about? “Pomodoro” in Italian means “tomato”, and Cirillo originally used a tomato timer when he first coined this productivity technique.

My manager isn’t the only person who’s been intrigued by the Pomodoro Technique. Since its creation over 30 years ago, more than 2 million people have used this method to increase their focus and productivity—but how does it actually work? Here’s everything you need to know.

So what is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique breaks down large tasks or series of tasks into shorter, timed periods of work. Francesco Cirillo used his kitchen timer to break down his work into 25-minute segments, followed by short breaks. Each break and interval between work is called a Pomodoro. The Pomodoro Technique is designed to improve focus and productivity. It reduces distractions and reduces complexity. Each Pomodoro helps you to focus better and makes it easier to manage your tasks.

How do I give Pomodoro Technique an attempt?

The Pomodoro Technique has six steps. Let’s break them down.

• Step 1: Select your task.This can be a big or small task. It’s totally up to you! The most important thing to keep in mind is that it’s work that requires your full, undivided attention.
• Step 2: Set a timer to run for 25 minutes.You can use an online or traditional timer just like Cirillo did. You can set a timer for your phone or download an application, but you must not interrupt the time. That means that you won’t pick up your phone to check social media, answer a text, or even respond to an email.
• Step 3: Keep working until the timer rings.Once you have set your timer, all you need to do is immerse yourself into the task at hand. Remember, no distractions. But because it’s not uncommon for random thoughts to pop into your head (think that one item on your to-do list you totally spaced on), keep a piece of paper handy. You can quickly write down any thoughts that pop into your head and then get back on track.
• Step 4: When the timer goes off stop working. Metaphorical pencils down! Your 25 minutes are up, and it’s time for a break. At this time, put a checkmark on a piece of paper so you can keep track of how many Pomodoros you’ve completed.
• Step 5: Take a brief break.The key word here is “short”. The break should be between 5-10 minutes. Set a timer for anything not related to work. Go for a quick walk. Fill up your coffee cup. Get some water. Do some breathing exercises. Literally anything, other than work.
• Step 6: Rinse, lather, rinse, and repeat. Congratulations! You’ve completed one Pomodoro. It’s time to get back to work. Once you’ve completed four Pomodoros (approximately two hours if you’re working for 25 minutes with a five-minute break), it’s time to take a longer break. This break should take around 20 minutes, but you can go as long as 30 minutes. This is a time to reset your body before you start your next set.

Here are some tips for using the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is fairly simple, but staying focused, which is the reason you’re probably trying out this technique, is often easier said than done. But I promise, you’ll get the hang of it after a few tries, and it works! While you won’t find a tomato on my desk anytime soon, I can attest to the magic that is a Pomodoro.

As you’re working through your Pomodoros, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Intervals are used to instill a sense urgency. Even though you may find your flow just before the timer sounds the breaks are there to help you reduce fatigue and burnout. It’s important to trust the process.
2. The Pomodoro Technique can be used to break down a more complex project into smaller, more manageable tasks. So just because you think a task will take longer than 25 minutes, doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of this technique.
3. If you finish a task in the middle of a Pomodoro, use any remaining time to review your work or take a look at your to-do list to identify what you’d like to work on next.
4. To improve efficiency in your work week, keep track of how many Pomodoros are required to complete each item on your to-do lists.

Can I use the Pomodoro Technique together?

Yes! While the Pomodoro Technique was originally developed for solo work, there’s a benefit to adapting it to use with your colleagues and teams. To sync up your Pomodoros, you might schedule time with a friend, co-worker, or colleague. It’s a win-win situation to hold each other accountable for completing your to-do lists, whether it be in person, via Zoom, or by text.

You can also use the Pomodoro technique with groups. If you need to brainstorm ideas for a project, set a timer of 25 minutes and let your mind run wild. Take a short break or go for a walk with the team before getting back into it. The Pomodoro Technique is a powerful tool that allows you to hold others and yourself accountable for your success.