Time management made easy

Can a tomato help you work better? Yes! In the 1990s, Italian entrepreneur Francesco Cirillo invented the Pomodoro®Technique, named after the tomato-shaped timers that mark every second with a tick, to help people improve their time management and productivity.

How does it work?

• Choose a task and set a timer for 25 minutes.
• Work on your task with no distractions until the timer rings.
• Take a five-minute break.
• Repeat the process. After every four pomodori (“tomatoes” in Italian), take a break for 15–30 minutes.

Why is it good for you?

• The technique breaks down tasks into smaller pieces.
• You’re less likely to procrastinate.
• It increases accountability.

Tips

• Do different things in your breaks — make a cup of coffee, stretch, water your plants. Most importantly, give your eyes a break from the screen.
• Avoid distractions. Put your phone away, close unnecessary browser tabs and turn off email notifications for each 25-minute block.

Tried and tested!

Barcelona-based entrepreneur Billy Keels has been using the Pomodoro®Technique for several years now.

Why did you first try the Pomodoro® Technique?

I was struggling to manage and prioritize tasks, but I realized that this could help me to focus and get things done.

Did you find it difficult at the start?

Yeah, I struggled. A lot of it has to do with how we live today. Instead of googling things I came across while working, I learned to continue working and make notes of what I wanted to check later.

Did your productivity increase?

It gives you the feeling of moving forwards. It’s about prioritization. What stops so many of us is that we feel like we’re drowning in everything. First, you select the right priority, then you apply the technique and focus on one task until it’s completed.

Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely! When I heard about it, I was a very busy salesperson. I had to travel a lot, so it was about finding time. Now, I work from home, and I use it sometimes. I ask myself: “What are my priorities? What are the outcomes I want? Are there specific tasks that can help me to do that?” You can get so much done in 25 minutes without any distractions, especially when people get used to the idea that you’re not constantly available.