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The Pomodoro technique has been used over the years to combat procrastination. It is a skill developed to improve focus and increase productivity.
While procrastination does not necessarily mean you are lazy, it sometimes happens due to fear. This could be the fear of getting started or failing.
Understanding Procrastination
Nearly everyone is familiar with procrastination. Many people can relate to the problem of delaying something to a later time and the negative feelings that follow it. 
An average person may view procrastination as an avoidance of tasks or laziness. However, procrastination can be an escape from feeling overwhelmed. It can also be a result of conflicting priorities.
For example, you need to read a 100-page paper for a scheduled examination and, at the same time, write a 2000-word essay assignment to be submitted. All these can overwhelm you and you may not know what to do first.
Then suddenly, looking through old pictures in the gallery and scrolling through social media becomes more appealing. And without realizing it, you start procrastinating.
The Beginning of the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique first came into practice in the 1980s when Francesco Cirillo, a university student, faced the problem of procrastination. Like many students, Cirillo struggled to complete tasks without feeling tired. Although he was unproductive, he believed that any progress is also good progress.
So he challenged himself to just 10 minutes of focus. To achieve this, Cirillo used a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato (Tomato is Pomodoro in Italian). Along the line, he realized that by breaking tasks into short intervals with short breaks in between, he could boost his focus and efficiency.
Over the years, Cirillo’s method has helped chronic procrastinators get rid of their guilt and enjoy their work instead and it is obvious why this method is effective. We can all agree that no one can get to the top of Everest in just one climb. However, a step at a time will get you there sooner rather than later.
How Does the Pomodoro Technique Work?
As earlier mentioned, the Pomodoro technique involves working for a set amount of time (usually 25 minutes). Then the process is repeated until you reach your goal, be it completing a specific task or working for a certain number of hours.
So, here are the steps to follow to help you get the most out of the Pomodoro technique:
1. Set Specific Goals
Before you start your Pomodoro timer, make sure you know exactly what you want to accomplish. This means you should have a specific task you want to work on.
This could be writing a specific number of words for a story or article. Remember, Pomodoro is all about having focus, and having a clear goal can help you stay focused and motivated.
2. Find a Comfortable work Environment
Find a place where you can work without distractions. A serene environment can help you maintain focus.
3. Set a Timer and Work For 25 Minutes
Set a timer for 25 minutes (which is one Pomodoro). Other apps can also be used to track your progress. For example, the Forest app is a good one. This app rewards you with a virtual plant or fruit after you have worked for a specific number of minutes.
Some timer apps also allow you to customize your work and break intervals or set reminders to take breaks. After you have set your timer for 25 minutes, focus solely on the task during this period and avoid distraction.
4. Take a Short Break
Usually, when the timer goes off for the first Pomodoro, you should take a five-minute break to relax. However, after the break, start another 25-minute Pomodoro.
5. Take a longer Break After 4 Pomodoros
After completing four Pomodoros, you should take a longer break, usually about 15-30 minutes to recharge. While one Pomodoro is usually for 25 minutes, note that you can adjust the time to your preference as you master the technique.
Benefits of The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique is already known to help improve focus. This technique may be beneficial to you if you are interested in:
- Understanding time management
- Finding solutions to procrastination
- Maintaining focus
- Improving productivity at work
- Finding motivation
Final Thoughts on the Pomodoro Technique
Productivity’s real enemy is not bad time management or lack of will to complete a program. The real threat comes from unwanted interruptions.
While we might blame social media for all our distractions, we should understand that most of our distractions are often self-inflicted—they come from within, which means we pull ourselves out of focus.
The main idea of the Pomodoro technique is to improve focus and achieve maximum productivity at work. It helps you resist distractions and be aware of self-interruptions.
