Time management method – Pomodoro

In today’s hustle and bustle of life, managing time and staying focused is a big challenge for many people. In industries that have dense workloads and pressures from modern life, many people have difficulty maintaining work efficiency and avoiding stress. To solve this problem, many time management methods have been developed, among which, the Pomodoro method (also known as the tomato method) has emerged as an effective and easy-to-implement solution.

What is the Pomodoro method? This is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo, an Italian CEO, in the late 1980s. This method breaks down the working time into intervals of 25 minutes, called “Pomodoro”, alternating with short breaks. After each Pomodoro, you take a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, you will have a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The sequence of implementing the Pomodoro method is very specific and strict with the order of steps as follows:

• Step 1: Select a task to complete.
• Step 2: Set the timer for 25 minutes and work without interruption.
• Step 3: When the time is up, rest for 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Repeat the above process. After four Pomodoros, we will take a long break of 15-30 minutes depending on each person.

Some of the benefits of the Pomodoro method can be mentioned such as:

• Increase concentration: When you know that you only need to concentrate for 25 minutes, it will be easier to avoid distractions and maintain high concentration at work.
• Improve performance: Breaking down working time helps the brain not to be overloaded and maintains high energy levels. This helps you get the job done more efficiently.
• Effective time management: The Pomodoro method helps you become more aware of how you use your time, improving your ability to plan and organize your work. You’ll better know how long it takes you to complete a specific task.
• Reduce stress: The alternation between work and rest helps to reduce stress, allowing you to work in a more relaxed mood. This also helps you maintain a balance between work and personal life.
• Promotes mental health: Regular rest during work helps the brain relax, minimizing stress and fatigue due to continuous work.

Over the years, this method has become a useful tool to improve productivity and optimize time efficiency. Not only is it simple, but Pomodoro is also easy to apply, helping you maintain focus and reduce stress in your daily work. What is the secret to implementing it?

When performing the Pomodoro method, you may encounter problems that are annoying and distracting, affecting your work efficiency. To handle these situations, you need to pay attention and handle them quickly. If these problems recur, review your work plan. Cirillo has come up with an “inform, negotiate, schedule, and call back” strategy to deal with it thoroughly, in which:

• Inform: Be straightforward with your coworkers when they distract you.
• Negotiate: Negotiate with a colleague about the time it takes to complete the task, e.g., “Can you please wait for me for about 10 minutes?”
• Schedule: Plan an immediate follow-up.
• Callback: Talk with colleagues after completing a task and only do other work when you’re ready.

The Pomodoro method is a great solution for those who struggle with time management. It makes it easy for us to control our time, complete our plans, and improve our work performance. However, for this method to be really effective, you need to put in the effort and perseverance to do it. Wish you success and always be in control of your time in any situation!