A time management method that works: The Pomodoro Technique
by Peter Middleton, Functional Skills Reform Lead
Do not be put off by the title. I am not a self-proclaimed guru on this subject, just curious.
Like some of you reading this, I have spent a lot of time over the years reading books about personal effectiveness. I have written this article to support colleagues and those working at home through the Covid-19 pandemic, and learners, with an idea to support time management.
Questions to consider
How do some people get so much done?
How could I use/adopt their methods?
Could I use these techniques in lockdown while working at home? Or afterwards?
In my quest to know more on this topic, I stumbled across the Pomodoro technique by complete accident.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
This is a technique that involves working in blocks of time. The inventor of the Pomodoro technique (Francesco Cirillo) suggests that we work better in focussed bursts. The approach he recommends is to work in twenty-five-minute intervals. This is one pomodoro. In the 25minute block, you do only one thing at a time. No multi- tasking allowed!
If you speak to me on the phone regularly – you may have heard my kitchen timer go off. I am not trying to end the call abruptly; I am using the technique that I have described.
This method works for me. I get more done when I use this approach.
Practical example
I am asked to complete a three thousand word written assignment in two working weeks.
I do not want to complete this activity over the weekends. I am happy to do this before, or after working hours. I break the task into chunks.
3000 words divided by 10 working days = 300 words a day
I think I can complete 300 words a day in 25-30minutes = 1 Pomodoro
I block out a period, say 7pm in the evening until 7.30.
I set my kitchen timer for 25-30minutes.
I am focused on this task only.
I do not:
- Watch Sky news/Channel 4 news
- Make myself a cup of tea/coffee
- Take or make calls to my friends – (I can ring them back)
- I do not send text messages
- I do not check on-line about sports teams, or check my Hotmail account (personal emails)
- I do not do any washing up/put the washing machine on/house tidying
I am immersed in this task with a single-minded focus
The originator of the Pomodoro technique from research he had conducted found after 25-30minutes that our concentration decreases.
I would be interested in your feedback on this article, and any time management approaches that you use.
Find out more
The Pomodoro Technique states:
- It’s easy for anyone to use.
- It improves productivity immediately.
- It’s fun to do!
Let us know if you’ve tried it, it if works for you, or if you have other ideas for time management to complete work or assignments.
Pete Middleton is the Functional Skills Lead for Ixion, orginally he started as an Advanced Teaching Practitioner. Pete has been involved in Functional Skills delivery, training and e-learning for 14 years.
He spends much of his free time taking his sons to sports clubs, goes to the gym and runs (not Olympic level). He enjoys reading, including English and maths books when not at work. A lifelong supporter of Leeds United, his other interests include history, Ireland and personal development.
Pete and family have a cat, Rusty, who they brought home at the start of 2020 – he likes waking Pete up early in the morning!