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.)
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.
Latest posts by Maricel Rivera (see all)
- Creating a Working Environment in the Home - October 4, 2013
- Time Management is Life Management: When Life Gets Inundated by Time - June 16, 2013
- Speed Writing Is Not Rocket Science, Or Is It? - June 9, 2013
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 🙂
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!
Wow! Learned something new today.. Awesome!! Thanks Maricel..
Glad to know you did, Herbert! Thanks for visiting.
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
Glad to help, sis Joy! Thanks for visiting!
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.
Facebook is really a time management nightmare. I can attest to that. Nice to see you here today, Imriz!
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.
Wow, so you’re the go-to person then, Adeline. Thanks for dropping by!
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.
Facebook, e-mail, etc.? Guilty! But like you said, we really have to fight it off. Thanks for dropping by, too, Sumi!
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.
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!
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.
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!