When and how long to Pomodoro

This genius time management hack was conceived by Francesco Cirillo. The technique involves working for 25 minutes followed by a mandatory 5-minute break, repeating this cycle three to four times before taking a longer break. We share our personal attempts at using the method, explore the psychology behind productive work cycles, the importance of taking breaks and reflect on its effectiveness in both office and home environments. We also discuss the broader context of productivity obsession and share insights from using related tools eg. online "focus buddies". The session concludes with a follow-up on how the Pomodoro Technique has worked for them a week after recording the episode, reenforcing a lot of the theory we originally set out.

Could this be our favourite procrastination buster yet!?!

External links

In the episode we reference a number of items you can find out more on here:

• Previous podcast episodes came up a lot (procrastination is a recurring theme for us): How to Instantly Feel Better; Yak Shaving; Goldilocks Tasks & The Fresh Start Effect
• Remarkably, there's currently no sketch for it, but Jono talks about The Red Queen Effect or Hypothesis - the concept of having to run to stay still.
• The Bear Focus Timer (used by Jono and now Tom as well). Available on Apple Store
• Examples of Focus Buddy or Accountability Partner websites include Focus Mate and Flow Club.

Episode Summary

00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast

00:29 Exploring the Pomodoro Technique

01:03 Origins and Basics of the Pomodoro Technique

02:57 Implementing the Pomodoro Technique in the Office

07:23 Challenges and Adaptations of the Pomodoro Technique

17:10 Alternative Productivity Methods

18:53 Accountability and Shame in Productivity

19:40 Origins of the Pomodoro Technique

20:17 Applying Pomodoro in Different Environments

21:32 Psychological Benefits of Time Blocking

22:38 Challenges and Adaptations in the Office

23:01 Personal Admin and Procrastination

23:22 Flow and Creative Tasks

26:16 Post-pod Findings on Pomodoro Technique Usage

28:44 Final Thoughts and Outro

All music on this podcast series is kindly provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

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