Are you a writer struggling to stay focused?

Do you sit down to write and feel overwhelmed?

Does your busy life schedule crowd out regular writing sessions?

If you haven’t heard about Pomodoros before, let me introduce you to something called The Pomodoro Technique, named after the tomato shaped timer the inventor of this efficient system used in its application. Why a tomato shaped timer? Because it was a cute and the Italian word for tomato is pomodoro.

Developed in the late 1980s by then university student, Francesco Cirillo, this technique could change the way you write and help you make the most out of your time, as well as preventing fatigue and burnout.

So how does it work?

It’s actually very simple. Set the timer for twenty-five minutes. This is how long you will work before having a 5 minute break. To maximize efficiency, have a to do list of tasks and tackle just one of them during the first twenty-five minute session.

For each twenty-five minute pomodoro, take a 5 minute break at the end.

If you are able, and manage to do 4 twenty-five minute sessions, then you would take a 25-30 minute break.

What can you do on your 5 minute breaks?
*go for a walk
*have lunch/meal
*exercise
*call or visit with a friend
*play with your dog/pet
You get the idea

Are you skeptical?

Here are some proven benefits of working Pomodoros into your day…
*helps with procrastination
*helps those who struggle with distractions
*can help you become more efficient
*allows you to focus on only one task at a time
*breaks down larger projects into more manageable steps
*allows you to set boundaries
*helps you avoid interruptions
*allows for flexibility

Pomodoros don’t work for everyone and they aren’t the only way to achieve focus and work on one task at a time. Try this technique for yourself for a few days and see what you think.

For more information on the Pomorodo Technique

https://www.todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique

The Pomodoro® Technique