Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity technique designed to help focus attention on a single task. Developed by Francesco Cirillo, the technique is named after the shape of his kitchen timer (a tomato).
The method works as follows: (1) Set a kitchen timer (or alternative) for 25 minutes (2) focus on a single task for the entire time (3) take a break of 5 minutes after this burst of work. If you are not productive during this time, you have permission to stop and do something else.
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Book Notes
The Personal MBA - Josh Kaufman
Insight: In can take 10 to 30 minutes to get focused on a task.Insight: A burst of focus can make it easier to get in the zone, and keep going with the task.Insight: The technique overcomes to challenges: (1) getting started (2) ignoring distractions.Insight: Procrastination or resistance to getting started can be overcome by the mindset that "it's only 25 minutes".Reference: Francesco Cirillo: tomato kitchen timer.
Ultralearning - Scott Young
Definition: 25 minutes of focused work with 5 minute break.Insight: The challenge with tasks is that it is often difficult to get started, we procrastinate. The Pomodoro Technique is designed to overcome this.Insight: Start small. If 25 minutes does not work, start with 5 minutes.Reference: Francesco Cirillo: tomato kitchen timer.
Limitless - Jim Kwik
Insight: We struggle to concentrate on tasks if we spend too little or too long on them.Insight: The Pomodoro Technique is based on the idea that are peak efficiency is spending 25 minutes on a task, followed by a 5 minute break.Reference: Francesco Cirillo: tomato kitchen timer.
Agile Project Management for Dummies - Mark C. Layton
Definition: Splitting work into 25 minute blocks.Insight: Within teams, create an environment that allows you to focus.Insight: Within scrum teams, it is important to balance focused productivity with accessibility to the rest of the team.Principle: Create the environment to reduce distractions. Examples: noise cancelling headphones, do not disturb signs.Principle: Create specific collaboration times.
Ikigai - Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
Definition: 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes rest.Insight: It is important to find the pace or best timing that works for you. What is important is to complete each cycle of focused work.Principle: Commit to focusing on a single task.
Do Less Get More - Shaa Wasmund
Insight: The Pomodoro Technique is an effective way to overcome writers block, or kickstart creativity.Principle: Set a kitchen timer. Focus on the task at hand and nothing else.Principle: Just do it.
Key Insights & Principles
Productivity
It can take time to get focused on a task.
We are often resistant to getting started on a task (also called procrastination).
If we can get started and focus on a task even for a few minutes, we often keep going.
Remove distractions.
Commit to focusing on a single task for 25 minutes and nothing else.
Just do it.
