How to use Pomodoro Technique for Time Management

You probably have seen the small tomato device in your kitchen mark with a numerical scale. This isn't just a tool for cooking. It's a time slicer to keep you on track with your work. Isn't this familiar?

The Pomodoro time management technique developed by Francesco Cirilo. It is called Pomodoro due to the direct translation from Italian, which means tomato.


How to put the Pomodoro technique in use is pretty simple. For each hour, dissect your time into four sections (20 mins, 10 mins, 20 mins, 10 mins). Schedule your significant task on the 20 mins section and leave the 10 mins for other tasks such as phone calls, toilet break, drinking water, check your social media, etc. For busier schedule, you can opt for the 25-5-25-5 sections.

Example: 

9:00AM - 9:25AM   : Prepare proposal
9:25AM - 9:30AM   : Go to mail room to pick up letters
9:30AM - 9:55AM   : Review proposal and edit the slides
9:55AM - 10:00AM : Go to pantry to make coffee

You don't have to go out and buy the Pomodoro timer. You can simply use your phone and create a timer. Alternatively, you can search for timebox app on the App Store for more sophisticated software.

Also, check out timebox method for a similar time management approach.