Everyone is concerned about productivity, whether you work from home, the office, or anywhere else. It doesn’t matter how much time you spend on something, what matters is how much you can get done.
When we’re surrounded by distractions, it’s easy to get distracted and procrastinate. There are ways to be more productive with your time. One is called tomato technique.
tomato technique
Francisco Cirillo developed the Pomodoro Technique in the 1980s as a means of increasing productivity and reducing procrastination. This method is intended to be used in conjunction with the work habits and routines discussed below.
What is a Tomato?
Pomodoro means “tomato” in Italian. As you can imagine, tomato-shaped kitchen timers inspired Francisco when he named his technique.
How does the tomato technique work?
The Pomodoro Technique involves 25-minute blocks of purposeful work. In those minutes, you should focus, complete a task, and then take a break before moving on to the next one. This method helps you structure your day so that you have periods of productivity and rest.
6 Steps of the Pomodoro Technique
Variations on the Pomodoro Method
It is impractical to assume that everyone can sit for 2 hours straight every day and make a “set” of Pomodoros. So you can customize this method to suit your needs.
You can increase your Pomodoros time or consider using the technique at regular intervals during your normal work day. For example, if you have a full day of meetings scheduled, focus on the time between meetings as Pomodoro Work Sessions and complete your tasks.
Pros of the Pomodoro Technique
One of the great benefits of this method is that it helps to streamline your work and keep interruptions to a minimum. It also opens up opportunities to track your progress so you can objectively assess what distracts you the most, what time of day you are most productive, and what tasks require the most time and energy.
Based on what you’ve learned about yourself, you can adjust your workload and take steps to minimize inefficiencies, resulting in increased productivity!
Cons of the tomato technique
On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, incorporating this time management system into your schedule can be tricky. Depending on your job or the task on your to-do list, the traditional Pomodoro time window might not be enough, and the longer Pomodoro might be too long to put off distractions.
Performance Tips
It doesn’t matter what time management method you use; There are some things that you should always consider when scheduling a day.
Set daily goals
Determine what needs to be done on your to-do list and by when. Also, consider your goals for the day, week, month, or quarter. Having a clear idea of what you need to do or what you are striving for increases the likelihood that you will achieve what you need.
Use Google calendars, checklists, scheduling apps, and more to keep track of your lists. Whatever tool helps you remember, use it!
Set a work schedule
Install morning routine to help you start on the right foot. Waking up at the same time every day, eating, exercising, journaling, etc. This will help you get into work mode, help motivate you, and increase your chances of getting more done.
Consistency in your daily routine will help you develop the habit of being productive at work and allowing you to relax at home.
Schedule a specific time to check your email
Create a work schedule. Check your inbox every day at the same time, set aside time during the day to take breaks, answer the phone, and eat.
Figure out the best schedule that works for you and stick to it.
Choose the best workplace
Everyone has different requirements for a workspace that helps them focus. Find out what you have and then find a work area that meets those requirements.
For example, don’t watch TV in bed. The bedroom should be dedicated to sleep. Eliminating distractions from the bedroom trains your body to let the environment encourage it to sleep and rest. The same applies to performance.
Take time to get organized
An important step to any productive day is having everything you need. Do you need to sign a bunch of papers? Collect them all before you sit down for a pen and organize.
Review your schedule. Lots of phone calls planned? Find out how to use the time between calls.
Are there any deadlines coming up? Work on those urgent things first. The rest follows from there.
Group similar tasks
Grouping similar tasks is a great way to improve efficiency and multitask at the same time. Related or related tasks should be performed together or sequentially.
For example, if you are writing a scientific article, don’t do research in the morning and write a paper in the evening; combine two. As soon as you find articles suitable for your research, try to immediately write down a summary of the information that you think is relevant.
Prioritize rest
Your productivity will plummet if you are sleepy, cranky, or not feeling well. Your focus will be confused, your motivation will drop and you will have a hard time getting through the day.
Regular sound sleep improves mood, sharpens attention and increases productivity! Devote your time at home to rest, relaxation and stress relief. Use the methods that suit you and your lifestyle.
Why does performance matter?
Productivity is used as a metric in every industry. This can affect how much money you make or how much of an impact your work has. Knowing how to improve your performance can go a long way in career advancement, personal growth, and more.
How you define performance is also important. It’s not about being busy; it’s about how you use your time and what you do. Spending time on tasks that have value or no value during the day creates a feeling of exhaustion and contributes to burnout.
There is a saying: “Work smarter, not harder.” The Pomodoro Technique aims to do just that.
Increasing your productivity levels makes you feel more successful and frees up time for the things that really matter.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to getting work done and checking our to-do list, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You also don’t need to have a tomato timer to increase productivity and efficiency. The Pomodoro Technique is designed to provide another method for making the most of your time, increasing focus, and achieving your goals. Try it and see if it works for you!
Good luck!
The article originally appeared on My Work From Home Money.