Pomodoro technique
Work in timed sprints, usually 25 minutes on and 5 minutes off
Set a timer, work on one thing until it rings, take a short break, repeat, with a longer break every fourth round. Its real function is starting: committing to 25 minutes is much easier than committing to a task. Critics argue the fixed intervals interrupt exactly the state you want to reach, and prefer longer blocks. It works best for shallow or dreaded work.
Who backs it
Sorted by strength of stance
- Ali AbdaalDoes it
Doctor turned YouTuber · author of Feel-Good Productivity
Timed sprints, with the regular breaks framed as what preserves focus and the timer as a way to chunk a large task.
Source: aliabdaal.com: the pomodoro technique - Cal NewportDiscusses
Computer science professor · author of Deep Work
Neutral on the pomodoro technique, he prefers breaks taken when concentration flags rather than on a fixed timer.
Source: calnewport.com: on deep breaks
Aimed at the same thing
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