Distracted at work?

If you’re looking to bring more structure to your workday, try the Pomodoro Technique. This technique breaks your day into a simple, repeating pattern of working sessions and breaks, which can make even the most daunting task seem manageable.

How the Pomodoro Technique works

The key to the Pomodoro Technique is its simplicity — all you need to follow these six steps is a timer:

1. Select one or more tasks that you want to work on.

2. Set a timer for 25 minutes and start working.

3. Take a short break, 2-5 minutes.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 until you’ve completed four working sessions.

5. Take a longer break, 15-30 minutes.

6. Repeat steps 2-5.

The video above shows the Pomodoro Technique in action. In the video, a writer uses the technique to organize her day, dedicating individual sessions to brainstorming character traits, editing a chapter, and drafting.

These sessions are punctuated by the built-in breaks, during which the writer steps away from her desk. After a cup of coffee or a workout, she’s ready to dive back into her work.

The next time you’ve got a big project to deliver, why not give this focus method a go?