Pomodoro Technique

As long as I can remember, even when I was a kid, I always used 50/10 technique. If you don’t know what that is, it’s focusing intensely and working on a task for 50 minutes and take 10 minute break. I did this unintentionally and when found the “official” technique, it basically confirmed my belief that this is what made me very effective.

I then found another technique, Pomodoro. It’s basically the same as the technique I mentioned, but it’s broken down to 25 minutes and 5 minute break. I was shocked to find that it’s highly effective, and it’s even more enjoyable.

To learn about this, you can read the free book at http://www.pomodorotechnique.com . Listed in posts are the resources I found helpful.

Videos

The Pomodoro Technique: can you focus – really focus – for 25 minutes? – Staffan Nöteberg

Software

  1. On my Mac, I use Pomodoro Desktop and always have it on when my computer starts. It’s simple and free.
  2. On Linux, I just use timer applet and have three presets; pomodoro, short break, and long break. Because I use 64-bit version, I found too many issues with any AIR based apps.

July 11, 2010 | Filed Under Rant, Tutorial

Comments

4 Responses to “Pomodoro Technique”

  1. Henrik Larsson on July 12th, 2010 2:31 am

    There’s also a great Pomodoro book from Pragprog:

    http://www.pragprog.com/titles/snfocus/pomodoro-technique-illustrated

  2. Joon on July 12th, 2010 6:47 am

    I can’t see why you’d pay for a book when the information is freely available. Let me know if the book is worth the price.

  3. Eric on July 21st, 2010 7:20 am

    If on ubuntu,

    sudo apt-get install workrave

    Just disable the mini-breaks and set it to 25-5 with a max hours (recommended, but obviously optional) and you’re good to go. If not on ubuntu, it’s probably available for whatever linux you’re using. Seems to me to be the perfect tool for the job.

  4. Joon on July 25th, 2010 7:30 am

    Wow, didn’t know about Workrave, great find! Thanks Eric!!!

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