The Power of the Pomodoro!

I think many of us have heard of the pomodoro technique. But for those who haven’t. Here’s a quick rundown —

1. Set a timer (preferably in the shape of a tomato) for 25 minutes.

2. Write like Steven King on amphetamines.

3. When the alarm sounds. Stop for 5 minutes. Go for a Stretch/Coffee/Stroke the cat etc..

4. Reset timer and repeat ...

5. After 4 Pomodoro's, take a longer break of around 30 mins, then start over.

In theory, this start/stop method allows our brains to work at full capacity without becoming overloaded. It maximises production while reducing the risk of procrastination. Sounds great, doesn't it?!

Well, unfortunately this is not what happened when I first began using it. In fact, it made me feel extremely anxious, pressurised and pretty damn worthless!

I believe this reaction may have been due to my personal association between time limits and high school exams. More often than not, I would sit down with my exam paper, watch the clock spinning at three times its normal speed, then go into panic mode and walk straight out!

Once, when I was feeling particularly rebellious, I wrote down all the Iron Maiden songs on my Chemistry paper. I'm particularly proud of that one.)

But now that I'm all grown up (Yes. I know it can be difficult to tell!) I decided to try and adapt the Pomodoro technique to suit my own neurotic personality. In other words …

To make it as easy as possible without smashing the timer off the nearest wall!

The method I have discovered is what I now like to call: 'The power of Perspective and Underestimation Technique!'

Now, while I realise this makes me sound like one of those annoying self-help guru's that sell out concert halls, please hear me out; 'Because this amazing method will help change your life forever!' (sorry, couldn't resist )

Before I begin, I list my six 25 minute pomodoro sessions down on a page, then beside each one I write ‘30.’ If I manage to write 30 words, I cross it off as a success. But if I write nothing, it’s also fine. This is because sometimes I will write more than 30 words. Therefore, if I write nothing for the first pomodoro, but then 60 words during the second. I tick the first one off also.

With me so far? Good!

Even if I only achieve my set targets by using the timer 6 times a day, that's still 180 words. In 4 days, that's a full essay or poem. That’s 90 written works a year!

But I have found that using this particular method, I will always achieve my targets!

I believe the reason behind this is due to the euphoric feeling of achievement I get when I hit each one. I find when I set myself a lower target and achieve it, or even surpass it, my mind is tricked into success mode. This uplifting feeling continues all the way through the day, giving me the self-belief I need to write well.

You can use this technique for many things in life. Just write down what you would like to achieve each day, then break it into six 25 minute sessions that are definitely manageable. It will even work for cleaning the house or exercising!

I have used this method throughout university and it has now brought me to the verge of achieving a First Class Honours degree. Not bad for a high school drop out!

So if you think it might help you too, why not give it a whirl.

Happy Tomatoes!

Originally published at https://medium.com/never-stop-writing/the-power-of-the-pomodoro-b42b10d24a0e