The Pomodoro
Technique
Suzanne Wayne
suzwayne@psu.edu
What?
Use a timer and 25 minute
increments to schedule and
complete work tasks.
Who?
Francesco Cirillo
How?
1. Choose a task you would like to complete.
How?
1. Choose a task you would like to complete.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”).
How?
1. Choose a task you would like to complete.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”).
3. Work on that task—and only that task—for 25
minutes.
How?
1. Choose a task you would like to complete.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”).
3. Work on that task—and only that task—for 25
minutes.
4. When the timer dings, give yourself a 5-minute
break – NOT OPTIONAL!
How?
1. Choose a task you would like to complete.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”).
3. Work on that task—and only that task—for 25
minutes.
4. When the timer dings, give yourself a 5-minute
break – NOT OPTIONAL!
5. Take a longer break after every 4 pomodoros –
15-30 minutes
Protect Your “Pomodoro”
 “Jot down” internal thoughts or ideas not related
to work to return to later.
 Manage external distractions by turning off
phone, e-mail alerts, chat clients, social media.
 Tell “drop-by” visitors – “I will get back to you in 10
minutes.”
 Train co-workers – “when you see the timer on my
desk…” or use a sign “Pomodoro in session.”
Benefits
 Over time you will be able to better estimate how
much time an activity will require.
 You become better at managing interruptions
and distractions.
 You can become more focused and disciplined.
 This technique works well with time-tracking.
A Form of Timeboxing
 To me, the timer is what really makes this work.
 10, 15, 20, or 25 minutes – I set my timer based on
 how much time I have,
 how long I think the task will take,
 or how much time I want to spend on the task
When?
 When I am REALLY not focused
 When everything is a priority
 When I am working on a project with a longer
timeline, but want to keep the momentum going
 To maximize gaps in my schedule
More Information
See pomodorotechnique.com
and read the book to learn
more in-depth activities and
skills related to this technique.