If you’ve been scouring the internet for a more efficient way to work, you may have heard of something known as the Pomodoro technique. This technique is one of the most popular productivity hacks ever.  Have you ever wondered exactly what it is or where it originated?

Wonder no more!

What Is The Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro technique is a productivity hack that harnessed the power of a simple kitchen timer. The basic idea is that you use a kitchen timer (this method is named for a tomato-shaped timer) and set it for 25 minutes. This is the length of time you focus on whatever task you are trying to accomplish. When the timer goes off, you stop working and take a break for 5 minutes.

When the break is over, you restart the timer and begin working again. After four repetitions (or Pomodoros as they are known), you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. You keep repeating this cycle until you are finished.

Where Did This Technique Come From?

This technique was created by University student Francesco Cirillo, who was looking for a more effective way to study. He had found that he was constantly negotiating with himself to study for ten more minutes at a time. “If I can study for ten more minutes, then I will take a break”.

Eventually, he noticed this “bargaining” was quite effective. He got a kitchen timer and started to time his study sessions, eventually falling on 25 minutes as his preferred session length.

You Don’t Have To Use The Pomodoro Technique To Work In Short Bursts

Maybe you like the idea of the times being clearly laid out for you as they are with the Pomodoro Technique, or maybe you find 25 minutes too long or short for your work sessions.

Either way, it’s important to know that you don’t have to use the Pomodoro technique if you want to work in short bursts. You can choose the length of your work sessions, as well as the length of break that accompanies these. This is the beauty of the short burst work method; it can be tailored to fit your individual needs!

Whether you decide to use the Pomodoro technique or design your own timing method – you will most certainly reap the benefits. So grab that timer and tackle your next project by working in short bursts!