I saw a poster yesterday that reminded me of this concept. Francesco Cirillo shares this technique through books, lectures and classes you can purchase. https://francescocirillo.com/.
The essential concept is simple and has become widespread. At least the idea has spread. I really do not think people actually do his process correctly. He explains it best. From his website:
“I was a student at the university in 1987 and I had to take the sociology exam in September. I couldn’t keep my mind focused on my book. I was constantly getting distracted. I made a humble bet with myself: ‘Can you stay focused for two minutes without distraction?’ I went to the kitchen, grabbed a timer and came back to my table. The timer was red and shaped like a Pomodoro (tomato in English). I wound it up to two minutes and started reading my book. When the timer rang I had won my bet against Time. Surprised, I began to ask myself why it had worked? I gradually increased the amount of time when I set the timer. I got to one hour, but that was too much. I didn’t take too long to realize that, for a number of factors, the ideal unit of work was 25 minutes followed by a 2-5 minute break.”
A worthy experiment would be to try the core of his technique for a full week. A basic kitchen timer is the best, as your phone is an evil form of tremendous distraction. Break your focused project time into 25 minute chunks with 5 minute breaks in between. After you do that, then take a longer break. Repeat. Pretty simple really and rather effective. Funny, all the great ideas are that way. Complete simplicity, yet deceiving in the complex nature of why this concept works.
