Pomodoro in real life

Barcamp Ghent 19/12/2009 By @tijs

I am Tijs Vrolix
@tijs on Twitter Blog at (bits.)tijsvrolix.be Work for NOCUS, Pixelpanic, MetaTale and this new thing called Super Mega Hyper.

Pomodoro is
another answer to the multitasking problem. Check my singletasking presentations on Slideshare or try Kukoo.com if you havent done so already for additional time management tips.

Founded by
Francesco Cirillo (1992) Find a way to get rid of distractions and interruptions caused by low levels of concentration and motivation.

Dare yourself
Can you? Would you be able to? Pomodoro is all about self observation.

ca n you h a n dle th e tr u th?

Remember: time is your ally, not your ennemy

25

Work for 25 minutes. Take a 5 minute break.

25

Long enough to do things. Short enough to resist being distracted.

After 4 pomodoros, take a longer break.

Pomodoro has to ring. It can never be interrupted.

Five steps
Planning (in the morning) Tracking (the pomodoros) Recording, processing and visualizing (at the end of the day)
th is is w h ere th e se lf ob se r v ati on pa rt re a ll y h a pp en s

Johan Stam on Flickr

It takes 7 to 20 days to master the technique.

Interruptions
are (extremely) evil. Interruption is productivitys biggest enemy, wrote Jason Fried. It certainly also is Pomodoros.

Internal
Social networks, food/drinks, ... Often related to a lack of concentration. Record your interruption and add whatever you feel is urgent to your to do inbox.

External
Phone calls, colleagues, questions, ... Protect the pomodoro: inform, negociate and reschedule (true emergencies really are rare). The headphones rule: wear your headphones during the pomodoro, take them off during the break.

Tiny tasks
You cannot break the pomodoro. Combine tasks when theyre really small ones. Otherwise take time to review and repeat when youve got a only a few minutes left.

Breaks make the pomodoro more effective.

Breaks
are an essential part of the pomodoro. Although in many (corporate) environments theres a sort of aversion to breaks. Make them longer when you feel thats benecial for your concentration/motivation (dont fool yourself though).

Tools
Pick your favorite. Get yourself a mechanic timer or download one of the many desktop/mobile apps.

Find out more

at pomodorotechnique.com Download the free ebook or buy the Pomodoro Kit.

Pomodoro in real life

Barcamp Ghent 19/12/2009 By @tijs