Four Pomodoro Mistakes and How to Correct Them
Use this time management technique to beat procrastination
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Focusing in a world of distraction became a highly valued skill. We’re constantly on the hunt for better apps and tools to make ourselves more productive and eliminate distractions.
With the attention span of a golden fish (recent Microsoft study data revealed that our attention span has dropped to eight seconds! ), we seek external ways to boost our focus on work and increase productivity. But, we often rush to use them without diving into the details correctly and learning how to get the most from productivity apps.
Today I want to talk about Pomodoro, one of the most widely used productivity techniques, and the mistakes that can prevent you from getting the most from this method.
Although there are various other techniques for working in fixed time intervals against the clock, the Pomodoro Technique is one of the most deceptively simple and effective productivity tools I’ve ever used. It stops you from procrastinating or getting distracted, so you can get things done, and all it takes is a tiny bit of commitment.
I’ve been using Pomodoro for years, but just recently discovered I’ve been using it wrong in many aspects. So I want to share my newly gained knowledge with you and help you make it even more efficient.
Being too strict with the intervals
The initial Pomodoro interval is 25 minutes of single-task work and 5 minutes of pause. But, if you have a task that requires more than 25 minutes of work, add more time for the work interval. Also, if you have smaller jobs, group them.
The timing does not have to be 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. Any time within 20–60 minutes will work fine; you must figure out the best timing. Many people I know prefer doing 50-minute Pomodoro sessions with 10-minute breaks. I learned recently that the 50:10 interval I’ve been using is inefficient, primarily if I work on a task that can be done in less time.
Why?
Because of Parkinson’s Law (you can read more about it in this article here on Medium), Every task expands to fill the time available for completion. So, if I have 50 minutes and need 30 minutes to finish the job, I’ll easily be distracted.
Interupt the Pomodoro.
In the event of an unavoidable disruption, take your five-minute break and start again. Cirillo recommends that you track interruptions (internal or external) as they occur and reflect on how to avoid them in your next session.
You are not using your breaks effectively.
Ditching your phone is the first step to spending your breaks more effectively. The next step is to stand up. Sitting for prolonged periods can negatively impact your health, so it’s critical to make sure you get up and move throughout your study sessions.
Now that you’re up, use this time to go outside, use the restroom, play with a pet, make a healthy snack, or do some mild exercise.
Prolonging your Pomodoro.
Keep working “just a few minutes” when a Pomodoro ends. Not having enough time to finish the task can be caused by our disruptions or planning fallacy, a phenomenon we all fall into: not knowing how much time will be needed to complete a future task and underestimating the time needed.
How can you fully utilise the Pomodoro technique for better productivity?
Choose a task.
Choose a task or series of tasks to be accomplished. For the purposes of premed students, think in terms of assignments, papers, and study materials that need to be conquered in each given time frame.
Set a timer (appropriate).
Set a timer for 25 minutes—either an old-fashioned one or an app on your phone. Depending on your needs and the task you’re completing, you can adjust this time, but if it’s your first time, begin with a traditional Pomodoro of 25 minutes on and 5 minutes off.
Continue to work until the timer goes off.
Work on the task until the timer goes off after 25 minutes. Avoid constantly checking the timer. After all, you’re not racing the clock; you’re simply trying to divide your material into smaller, more digestible chunks. The timer will let you know when your time is up. You aim to be efficient, focused, and disciplined while avoiding external temptations.
Don’t skip the break.
When your timer goes off after 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. Make sure to get up and move during this time. Take a break in a different spot than where you are working. Now is the time to use the bathroom, refill your water or snack, stretch, complete simple exercises, etc.
It’s a short break, so don’t get started on any other distracting tasks like checking your email or social media. The time will go by fast.
After four Pomodoro sessions, take a more extended break.
To enhance productivity, it is recommended to repeat a cycle of 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. After 4 Pomodoro cycles, take a more extended break of 20 minutes. Repeat the entire process as many times as needed until you have accomplished your goals.
My best tip: plan your Pomodoro in advance.
Take 10 or 15 minutes at the beginning of your working day. Look at your to-do list and decide how many Pomodoros you’ll need to finish each task. Here is an example of how I use it when working for Urban Direct Wholesale:
Write the draft of the article — 3 Pomodoros
Managing leads — 1 Pomodoro
Check and manage my emails — 1 Pomodoro
Longer pause
Editing and publishing article — 2 Pomodoros
Schedule social media posts — 1 Pomodoro
Send selected images to a Reseller — 1 Pomodoro
Review and approve the artwork for the signage — 1 Pomodoro
Longer pause
Make a draft of PPT presentation — 2 Pomodoros
End-of-day review and preparation for tomorrow — 1 Pomodoro
Conclusion
The Pomodoro Technique can be a powerful time management tool that can significantly improve productivity and help beat procrastination.
However, there are common mistakes that people often make when using the Pomodoro Technique, which can hinder its effectiveness.
I know this technique might not work for everyone, but if you are like me and want to push yourself to use your limited time more wisely, you’ll eventually become a big fan of Pomodoro.
But, instead of rushing into using productivity apps without proper understanding, take the time to learn from the mistakes outlined in this article and implement the Pomodoro Technique correctly. With a little commitment and mindful planning, you can harness the power of Pomodoro to accomplish your tasks, achieve your goals, and supercharge your productivity.
Remember, productivity is not just about working harder but also working smarter. So, control your time, eliminate distractions, and maximise every Pomodoro session. Your productivity and success will thank you! Happy Pomodoro-ing!
Do you know I’m at the beginning of my new side-hustle journey? I’m documenting the entire process so every future marketing solopreneur can learn from my mistakes and successes.
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