What Is The Minimalist Pomodoro Technique and Why It Works The Best
I tweaked the Pomodoro Technique to create the Minimalist Pomodoro Technique. They are similar but different. My progress changes massively improved the positive results of the Pomodoro Technique for me.
I believe my Minimalist Pomodoro Technique will yield similar if not vastly better, positive results for you.
Please find out for yourself and tell me what you think.
What Is The Minimalist Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It uses a kitchen timer to break work into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. Each interval is known as a Pomodoro.
The Pomodoro Technique encourages people to work efficiently with their time instead of making excuses to work against it.
What Is the Benefit of The Pomodoro Technique?
The philosophy behind the Pomodoro Technique is to create a sense of intention in the user and a sense of urgency rather than believing you have all day or all the time allotted to complete a task.
People use all the time allotted for a task, even when it can be completed in a fraction of that time. They tend to squander the extra time with useless delays and distractions.
People usually take all of the time allotted to complete a task. If people are given two weeks, they will take two weeks. However, if given three days, they will become more productive and complete the task in three days.
The belief is that when a task is allotted 25-minute intervals, no time is squandered with useless distractions because the work is perceived as more time-sensitive and intentional.
The 25-minute breaks prevent burnout and fatigue and offer time for useless distractions if needed. I wished for more time than the 25-minute intervals instead of usually looking at the clock, hoping the day would go by faster.
How To Use The Minimalist Pomodoro Technique
I thought I had invented the Minimalist Pomodoro Technique. I instinctively found I tend to be more productive when spending short bursts of time working on a task. It is not a system, but I have always noticed this.
I tried the Pomodoro Technique, which was more effective than I thought. The timer was the key for me. It added structure and helped me avoid squandering time and indulging in my favorite distractions.
I decided to reduce the Pomodoro Technique to its minimal working parts, creating the Minimalist Pomodoro Technique.
This is how I use my newfound Minimalist Pomodoro Technique to partner with time and work best for me:
- Create a singular focus on a task.
- Set the timer in your mind to symbolize 25-minute intervals.
- Only work on the task at hand in its allotted time.
- If you are not tired or bored, keep working until you are.
- Stop working when you are tired or bored, take a five-minute break, or work on a different task.
- Repeat steps 1-5 when changing tasks. Don’t do more than three at a time.
- Treat yourself to a lunch-like break when a task is completed.
I know what you are thinking. Lunch like a break? Five minutes or more breaks in between tasks? Yeah, I don’t believe in Hustle Porn or working yourself to death. It does not work anyway. It just leads to resentment, burnout, and stormy personal relationships.
Also, working on a different task changes your focus and the resources used in the previous task. This will energize you as you use rested resources on the new task.
For some reason, I can work on a blog post until I am dead tired and bored. Then, I can stop and work on another blog post or training and be full of renewed energy. Switching tasks gives me renewed energy.
I believe in working hard but sustainably. Work at a pace and intensity you can comfortably sustain for the long term, and take physical and mental breaks when you feel the need.
I can keep that pace up all day long.
Getting Started
Using the Minimalist Pomodoro method, you segment your workday into 25-minute focus periods followed by five-minute breaks. Each focus period and break period is called a Pomodoro, the Italian word for Tomato.
Working in small 25-minute intervals felt unusual. It interrupted my flow and rhythm, but I stopped working after each interval anyway. I like being tricked into wanting more time to work on whatever task I am working on.
It forced me to become hyper-focused, regroup, bounce around new thoughts, and continue working. At each 25-minute interval, I did not take a break in the usual sense. I did not begin doom scrolling on social media, watching a YouTube video, or even checking email.
I was like a prizefighter, pacing in his corner between rounds, hyper-focused to continue the fight. This was new because I always looked for a reason to waste time and call it multitasking.
There are obvious times when the Pomodoro Technique is inappropriate, like during Zoom meetings, when working some paid jobs, and during emergencies. I could not imagine taking a break every 25 minutes. Even worse, have me pacing in front of you, staring intently every 25 minutes. LOL.
This is why I use what I call the Minimalist Pomodoro Technique. I follow the basic rules closely. I try to stick to the 25-minute intervals, but I do not always use a timer. I guesstimate or work until I feel a little tired.
Then, I don’t take a break; I do something else for the next 25 minutes, using different muscles and Resources.
These intervals are usually 30 to 45 minutes because that is the most time I can spend doing anything before feeling bored or tired.
My Minimalist Pomodoro Technique is not limited to work. I try to Benefit from it for everything during the day. Along with Bullet journaling, my days usually go smoothly without any productivity problems.
Here are some tips and tricks for you to implement your version of the Minimalist Pomodoro Technique:
Get rid of the physical timer, or use your phone. Use your internal clock and break at intervals that work best for you. Sometimes, things need 5 or 10 minutes to be done just right. Sometimes, things are done in 10 minutes, and it’s time to move on.
I believe the perfect combination of work and rest maximizes productivity. Minimalist productivity means working to complete a task by finding the point where the minimal amount of effort meets the optimal result, causing less wear and tear on mind, body, and spirit.
Minimalist Pomodoro Technique Mindset
The best way to maximize your results and ensure success is to hold yourself accountable. Believe there is no plan “B.” Get a friend to help keep you accountable.
Stay in touch with each other in real time. Time breaks with each other, whether in person or virtually. You can have multiple partners. They don’t have to be co-workers or even people you have ever met.
If you cannot find someone to mentor you or share the experience with you, try to find someone willing to give emotional support. A friend or loved one with whom you can discuss your ups, downs, and intentions for moral support.
You and your mindset have to believe in the process and be creative. There is no failer when you give the Minimalist Pomodoro Technique a try. You will find success if you have the mindset to be successful.
Content incremental success in life is the most powerful.
Conclusion
Something about the body working very hard in the long term with rest and work intervals is compelling.
My Minimalism Pomodoro Technique 10X has incredible power. It rests on the mental and physical resources used to complete one task to engage slightly different psychological and physical resources to begin another.
Please give my Minimalist Pomodoro Technique a try. I am sure you will be presently surprised. Also, comment or even thank me below.