A Focused Day is Full of Tomatoes

ON A DAY in September 1987, a college student in Italy came up with a simple technique to help him start working and meet a class deadline. The technique in its most basic form goes like this:

Being straightforward-to-use and effective, the technique spread around the world. ‘One of the most powerful techniques in all of learning,’ said Barbara Oakley, the professor of one of the largest online courses on learning strategies¹.²

The inventive student behind this method, Francesco Cirillo, now a software engineer, named the technique ‘Pomodoro’ — the Italian word for tomato. This was inspired by a tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used.

Studies have shown this method helps us overcome neurological resistance to work. Once started, just a few minutes in, our resistant brain begins to cooperate with the task at hand rather than pushing us to avoid it.

However, the Pomodoro technique is more than just an antidote to procrastination. It offers a more effective day-to-day approach to time.

“For many people, time is an enemy,” Cirillo penned in a slim, philosophically-minded book on the subject.³

For many people, time is an enemy.

Minutes continue to pass, but Pomodoros are only counted when we stay focused and avoid distractions. In practice, this means that after focusing for 25 minutes, I can count it as one Pomodoro. However, if I had a brief side conversation or replied quickly to an email during that time, then I haven’t completed any Pomodoros—or let’s use the term ‘Pomos’ for brevity.

The concept behind Pomos is that they are a measure of focused time. This is what sets them apart: their existence demands our undivided attention. No exceptions.

It also helps to have clarity on the task at hand, as this enhances our focus. The five-minute break provided by the technique is a perfect opportunity to reflect on what we’ve just been doing. This short pause allows us to perhaps find a better approach or simply appreciate the work we’ve accomplished. It offers a broader perspective, akin to a bird’s-eye view of the path we’re on.

There’s also a benefit when adopting this method among colleagues: it provides a group with a better way to discuss work. Once a group adopts the Pomodoro technique, interactions change. You might hear, “Oh, are you in a Pomo?” A nod signifies a yes. “Ahh, sorry, come grab me when you’re on break.” People shouldn’t need to wear giant headphones to protect their attention. Using Pomos becomes a cultural way to respect each other’s focus.

To utilize this elegant technique, start with these three steps:

1. Get a timer that alerts you when 25 minutes have passed.
2. Track the number of Pomos you complete each day. You’ll be able to say things like, “Today I did five Pomos!” or “Yesterday, despite the chaos, I managed to squeeze in one Pomo.”
3. Inform a few people around you that you’re now measuring time using the Pomodoro method, and encourage them to give it a try as well!