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You are here: Home / Freelancing / Pomodoro Technique: How to Get More Things Done in Less Time

Pomodoro Technique: How to Get More Things Done in Less Time

July 22, 2012 by Maricel Rivera 20 Comments

Pomodoro.

That’s Italian for tomato. And for tomato lovers out there, after reading this article, you might find another reason to love the good old pomodoro. Just in another capacity, I guess.

For freelancers, especially those paid on a per-deliverable basis, getting more work done in less time is the secret to earning more. (Now, that’s not to say we’re forgetting quality here. Of course, we aren’t.)

Pomodoro Technique

Photo via pomodoroworld.com

For professionals or practically anybody trying to beat a deadline, the ticking of the clock can be a nightmare, hence, the need for an effective time management strategy.

Recommended reading: 4 Things to Keep in Mind to Become More Productive as a Freelancer

Francesco Cirillo, in the late ‘80s, invented a time management technique called the Pomodoro Technique. Essentially, what this technique entails is breaking down long periods of work into 25-minute sessions (called pomodoros) separated by breaks. The Pomodoro Technique, in a nutshell, employs the following steps:

  • Choose the work to be done.
  • Set your pomodoro timer to 25 minutes. (Any timer will do, by the way, as long as it works.)
  • Work until the timer goes off. Mark your work checklist with an X.
  • Take a five-minute break.
  • For every four pomodoros you complete, take longer breaks, 15 to 20 minutes.

I’ve done this once, and it works. The only challenge left for me to tackle, I guess, is how to make this technique second nature to me knowing that I have this annoying tendency to use up valuable time on Facebook, G+, even the urge to surf unrelated stuff while doing freelance work, especially when I’m trying to do more.

Well, as in anything, I reckon it’s going to come with practice, lots and lots of practice.

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Maricel Rivera

Maricel is a regular mom juggling her time between being a mom and her full-time profession as a researcher for a top-notch financial firm. Add blogging and freelancing to the mix, and it's one crazy ride. But somehow she manages to stay sane. Maricel loves to write about various stuff - from technology to personal finance, from social issues to life in general.
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Filed Under: Freelancing, Personal Development Tagged With: Pomodoro, Time Management

Comments

  1. Hazel says

    July 24, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    I learned a new word today, although I often pass by Pomodoro where I am. It’s a restaurant in Bangkok. We have the same style with workouts 🙂

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      July 25, 2012 at 1:02 am

      The first time I heard the word pomodoro was when I was checking out a fast food chain for the pasta they were offering. Thanks for dropping by today, Hazel!

      Reply
  2. Herbert says

    July 25, 2012 at 2:56 am

    Wow! Learned something new today.. Awesome!! Thanks Maricel..

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      July 25, 2012 at 5:06 am

      Glad to know you did, Herbert! Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  3. joy says

    July 24, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    you gave me an idea on how to teach time management to my youngest son, the Pomodoro will be of great help, thanks to you, my vocal chords will get rested for a while ahaha

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      July 25, 2012 at 1:03 am

      Glad to help, sis Joy! Thanks for visiting!

      Reply
  4. imriz says

    July 25, 2012 at 12:28 am

    2 months ago, i’ve set my mind on finishing a blogpost in 1 hour max. somehow, i’ve beaten my record quite a few times. however, facebooking tends to rule out my schedule:)

    thanks for the new word ive learned today.

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      July 25, 2012 at 1:04 am

      Facebook is really a time management nightmare. I can attest to that. Nice to see you here today, Imriz!

      Reply
  5. Adeline says

    July 26, 2012 at 4:44 am

    I’ve been using this technique for the longest time, and I can personally vouch for its effectiveness. Juggling between my blog and my writing projects have been so much easier. It’s sometimes so surprising on how much work you’re actually able to finish using this technique. Thanks for sharing this, Maricel.

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      July 26, 2012 at 11:41 am

      Wow, so you’re the go-to person then, Adeline. Thanks for dropping by!

      Reply
  6. Sumi Go says

    July 26, 2012 at 6:22 am

    This is a really nice time management technique! 🙂 With a limited amount of time to finish tasks, we’ll really have to fight off the temptation to do other things on the side like checking our Facebook, email, etc.

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      July 26, 2012 at 11:42 am

      Facebook, e-mail, etc.? Guilty! But like you said, we really have to fight it off. Thanks for dropping by, too, Sumi!

      Reply
  7. tatess says

    August 24, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    Pomodoro, I will try not to forget this new word.This is the first time I hear it. Time management should always be the case.

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      August 24, 2012 at 9:14 pm

      Time management is something we all have to diligently work on, especially given that so many things need to be done in very little time. Thanks for dropping by, Mami Tess!

      Reply
  8. fifileigh says

    August 24, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    yeah, it is important to create a schedule in order to be productive and manage one’s time better. and, breaks are important, as well, especially when the writer is experiencing writer’s block. while it is probably much better to get away from the computer during break time, it is also a good idea to surf the internet as well because this method can generate possible topics for future articles.

    Reply
    • Maricel says

      August 24, 2012 at 9:15 pm

      My problem with surfing the Internet on breaks, I tend to forget that I’m just on break. I need to work hard on the discipline part, really. Thanks for visiting, Fifi!

      Reply

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