Stop procrastination: This is how the Pomodoro technique helps you to become more productive!

This technique is like a personal training plan for your concentration that helps you complete your tasks with more focus and less distraction.

You know that? You have a long to-do list in front of you, you start working, but then your mind wanders, you quickly check social media, respond to an email, and before you know it, half the day is gone – and your task is barely progressing. If that sounds familiar to you, then today I have something for you that could revolutionize your working life: the Pomodoro technique!

What is this ‘Pomodoro’ anyway?

Don't worry, we're not talking about Italian cuisine here, although the name might be misleading! ‘Pomodoro’ is Italian for ‘tomato’ and it is precisely to such a kitchen alarm clock that this ingenious Time management method their name. It was invented by the Italian Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s.

Francesco was a student and, like many of us, had a problem with procrastinating and distracting. He was looking for a way to focus better and really move forward. His solution? He took a tomato-shaped kitchen alarm clock and decided to spend 25 minutes focused to work on a single task. After these 25 minutes, he took a short break and then continued fresh. And look there: It worked!

The basic principle is therefore very simple: You divide your working hours into short, intense blocks that are interrupted by regular breaks. Sounds simple, but it's extremely effective!

How the Pomodoro principle works step by step

Are you ready to try it yourself? Here's how you do it:

Choose your task: Grab your to-do list and choose A single task, Which you want to do next. This is important: Multitasking is taboo.
Set the timer: Set your timer (whether digital or the classic tomato alarm clock) 25 minutes. This 25-minute unit is called ‘Pomodoro’.
Work focused: Now comes the most important part: Work the entire 25 minutes without distractions on your chosen task. Turn off notifications, resist the urge to look at your phone or answer an email. Just focus on that one thing.
Take a short break: As soon as the timer rings, you put a Short break of 5 minutes one. Get up, stand up, grab a glass of water, look out the window – but avoid work-related things. Your brain needs this short break to regenerate.
Repeat the cycle: After the short break, you start the next 25-minute pomodoro.
The long pause: After Four Pomodoros (i.e. 4 x 25 minutes of work plus 3 x 5 minutes of short breaks) it is time for a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. This longer break is super important to really shut down and recharge your batteries before you start into the next work block.

Why the Pomodoro Principle Works So Well

Better concentration: The fixed time blocks train your brain to focus fully on a task for a manageable amount of time. You know the break is coming, and that helps withstand distractions.
Less procrastination: 25 minutes is not an eternity. The hurdle of starting a task decreases enormously if you know that you need to ‘only’ stick with it for 25 minutes.
Increased productivity: The clear work and break times keep you focused and efficient. You avoid the feeling that you're just working all day without really creating anything.
Burnout prevention: The regular breaks prevent you from reworking. Your brain gets the necessary recovery to stay efficient in the long term.
Monotasking power: The method forces you to monotask, i.e. to do one task at a time. This is scientifically proven to be more effective than multitasking, where you constantly switch between different things.

Is the Pomodoro technique suitable for everyone?

Basically yes! Whether you're a student, freelancer, office worker or housewife, the Pomodoro Technique can help you manage your tasks more effectively. It requires a bit of practice and discipline in the beginning, but the positive effects are definitely worth it.

Just give it a try! You'll be surprised at how much you can actually do at these 25-minute intervals. And maybe you will also find your inner tomato alarm clock! ⁇

Have you tried the Pomodoro technique before or are you more likely to be someone who with the 90-90-1 rule of yesterday Could it be warm?