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[Goal driven] A technique that has (almost) nothing to do with tomatoes

I know a lot of theory about time management, techniques, ways of organizing yourself and so. And I am sharing my knowledge with others as well.

But the most rewarding part comes from actually applying these techniques myself.

For example – using the Pomodoro technique has given me the joy of achieving significant progress in just a small amount of time.

Imagine a bright red, glossy tomato-shaped kitchen timer sitting on a clean wooden desk. Its rounded surface gleams under soft daylight, with a small green stem on top, mimicking the look of a real pomodoro. Around its circumference, bold white numbers mark the minutes, with a simple arrow indicator showing the current countdown. The timer’s dial is currently set to 25 minutes, signifying the start of a focused work interval. Nearby, a notebook and pen suggest readiness for productivity, while the timer’s classic wind-up mechanism adds a tactile, satisfying element to the scene – a perfect embodiment of the Pomodoro technique in action.

What is the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that breaks work into focused intervals, typically 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks. This approach helps maintain concentration and reduces mental fatigue. It encourages steady productivity and makes large tasks feel more manageable. You can combine 4 pomodoro intervals followed by a longer break.

How do you use the technique?

Well – knowing the technique is one thing but actually putting it into action was a completely different affair.

A true procrastinator would start by searching the net for a pomodoro timer, then searching for the oneline store with the best price, ordering it and then… waiting for the delivery.

But I took a different approach: I took my phone and set a timer for 25 minutes. I also picked a task I really didn’t enjoy doing and decided that I ever crash it or… crash it.

I started the timer. I started working on the task. Notifications in Teams started to pop-up. I glanced but did not open. Focused on my task.

Notifications in WhatsApp also appeared, from my family. I did not glance. I focused on my task.

I got stuck with an idea – and when to search for inspiration. I almost clicked on a link for something not related. But I stopped. And focused on my task.

I glanced at the timer. Already 15 minutes passed. I was making progress, but… not enough time to finish in the next 10 minutes. I paced up to finish.

The timer beeped. I was NOT done. But I was on a roll. So instead of taking the recommended break, I continued until I ate that frog. Yeah, I finished the unpleasant task.

I was DONE! I had a feeling of achievement not felt for a long time.

I hit SEND on the outcome to my boss, I was happy and relieved. One more thing off my list.

 

What “frog” do you plan to eat next? Are you ready to apply the Pomodoro technique to focus and progress in 25 minutes?

Buy yourself a nice timer 

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