Ok, what’s this about Pomodoro? I thought it was a tomato! Well, yes pomodoro the Italian word for tomato, but Pomodoro is also a time management technique.

The way the name came about is that the author of The Pomodoro Technique, Francesco Cirillo used a tomoto shaped kitchen timer to time his productivity periods for the process. Yes, there really is a book on The Pomodoro Technique.

Without getting complicated, here’s how it works for me and how it can work for you to spend some time each day in focused work on a particular project.

You need some type of timer to make this work. Here is a link to an online timer you can use, or just use a timer app on your smart phone. If you are low tech, a regular kitchen timer works.

Decide what you are going to work on for the period of time between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. Set the timer for 25 minutes. Work without interruption on your project for that period. When the timer dings, STOP! Reset the timer for 5 minutes. Get up, stretch, got to the bathroom, get a drink of water, check your email whatever. When the timer goes off again, set it for 25 minutes and do another focused session on your project. Take another 5 minute break. Repeat the process. When you have done 3 Pomodoros, take a half hour break and do something else.

I have used this technique effectively and it really helps. It’s easy enough to do too. Try it, and let me know how it works for you by commenting below, or on my Facebook page.