1. The Pomodoro Technique Suzanne Wayne suzwayne@psu.edu

2. What? Use a timer and 25 minute increments to schedule and complete work tasks.

3. Who? Francesco Cirillo

4. How? 1.Choose a task you would like to complete.

5. How? 1.Choose a task you would like to complete. 2.Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”).

6. How? 1.Choose a task you would like to complete. 2.Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”). 3.Work on that task—and only that task—for 25 minutes.

7. How? 1.Choose a task you would like to complete. 2.Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”). 3.Work on that task—and only that task—for 25 minutes. 4.When the timer dings, give yourself a 5-minute break – NOT OPTIONAL!

8. How? 1.Choose a task you would like to complete. 2.Set a timer for 25 minutes (a “pomodoro”). 3.Work on that task—and only that task—for 25 minutes. 4.When the timer dings, give yourself a 5-minute break – NOT OPTIONAL! 5.Take a longer break after every 4 pomodoros – 15-30 minutes

9. Protect Your “Pomodoro”  “Jot down” internal thoughts or ideas not related to work to return to later.  Manage external distractions by turning off phone, e-mail alerts, chat clients, social media.  Tell “drop-by” visitors – “I will get back to you in 10 minutes.”  Train co-workers – “when you see the timer on my desk…” or use a sign “Pomodoro in session.”

10. Benefits  Over time you will be able to better estimate how much time an activity will require.  You become better at managing interruptions and distractions.  You can become more focused and disciplined.  This technique works well with time-tracking.

11. A Form of Timeboxing  To me, the timer is what really makes this work.  10, 15, 20, or 25 minutes – I set my timer based on  how much time I have,  how long I think the task will take,  or how much time I want to spend on the task

12. When?  When I am REALLY not focused  When everything is a priority  When I am working on a project with a longer timeline, but want to keep the momentum going  To maximize gaps in my schedule

13. More Information See pomodorotechnique.com and read the book to learn more in-depth activities and skills related to this technique.pomodorotechnique.com