When Francesco Cirillo invented his famous time management Pomodoro method in the late 1980s, he named it after the Italian word for “tomato”.
That may sound weird, but in those days, tomato-shaped kitchen timers were a thing. Fun fact: that is the only fruit Italians allow on their pizzas.
Enough. I wasted your precious time, but I promise you will win it back when you tweak his famous technique as I did…
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
With the Pomodoro technique, you work for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. After four focus sessions, you can chill for 15-30 minutes.
It’s one of the classic time management methods.
You don’t need an old school kitchen timer to apply this method
But you need to keep in mind that it was invented
- to better focus while studying
- before the Internet entered our lives.
And that raises the following question.
How to apply the Pomodoro method in the era of AI?
This is a beginner’s guide of the Pomodoro technique, adapted to the world of distractions and AI tools.
Step 1: Define an outcome
The original method tells you to pick one task. But AI tools can do complicated stuff in seconds. It is therefore better to think bigger than in terms of tasks.
An outcome can, for example, be “an outline of 10 presentation slides based on 20 articles.”
Step 2: Start your Pomodoro app
The original method used sessions of 25 minutes and a kitchen timer. Today, you can better use an app and increase the time if the job requires not much focus.
But don’t go crazy. One hour in front of a screen is a lot.
Step 3: Laser-focus on the job
Even if you use AI tools, you need to focus. Are the results what you had in mind? If the clock is still ticking, you can think of what to do in your next Pomodoro session.
Step 4: Take a break
This is crucial regardless of what activities you are doing in front of a computer.
Your eyes and mind need a rest. Don’t spend your breaks on another device or another app. Instead, you can take a walk, or glaze at the clouds.
Step 5: Rinse and repeat
In the original method, you had to work 4 sessions followed by a 15-30 minute break. But those rules are not set in stone. Adapt it to your ability to focus and the job you’re doing.
That’s it.
Or is it?
3 Bonus tips for using the Pomodoro Technique effectively
Methods are only as good as how you apply them.
Here are some tips that work for me. You don’t need to copy them, but they may inspire you.
Tip #1: Don’t Pomodoro all day long
I only apply this productivity method when I have to do certain tasks. Or when the circumstances require it.
- If I am sure that I can do a task in 45 minutes, I will set a timer and challenge myself to do it in 35-40 minutes.
- If the sloth in me wakes up, this method can get me into focus mode.
- In my most productive days, I can only do 3 Pomodoro sessions in a row. So, that’s 45 minutes focus + 15 minutes break, three times in a row.
- Every day, I also set a 15 minute timer to tackle my 5 minute rule list.
In the past, I applied it more strictly.
But if you are setting your first steps in the world of time management, I still can recommend the Tomato hack.
It is a great way to organize your day. And get stuff done in time.
Tip #2: Old school tracking
There are tons of tools and apps to manage your time and projects. And I use some too.
But the thing is that they also send notifications.
Building a focus fortress alone can be a full-time job
- keeping your work space tidy
- silencing your phone
- closing irrelevant tabs
- letting people know you’re going undercover for your next Pomodoro session
If you’re anything like me, even a meow from the other room can get me out of focus.
So whenever I use the Pomodoro method, I use a pen, paper, and an analogue watch as companions.
Tip #3: Taste from the productivity buffet
I admit that my Pomodoro sprints are my most productive moments.
But sticking to the Pomodoro Technique can be as tough as teaching a cat how to fetch.
That’s why I also apply other lazy productivity hacks during the day.
Variation tastes better than having the same meal every day.
Now, it’s time for me to make a healthy pizza.
With pineapple, of course.
