Freelance Writing with the Pomodoro Technique
I first heard about the Pomodoro technique last year, but at the time I dismissed it as a bit simplistic. I now regret this lack of curiosity because it turns out that this is the most effective productivity tool that I’ve ever used. In fact it is the simplicity of the technique that makes it so powerful. I’ve only been using the Pomodoro method for a few days, but it has already helped me get 30% more writing completed each day. Best of all I feel more in control of my workflow, and I can stay focused for longer.
How the Pomodoro Technique Works
The pomodoro technique was created by Francesco Cirillo back in the 1980s. He devised a method of time management using an egg timer which just happened to be shaped like a tomato -‘pomodoro’ is Italian for ‘tomato’. The technique involves breaking down time in the 25 minute units and these are called a ‘pomodora’. These units of time are inadvisable so it is not possible to have something like a ‘half pomodoro’.
There is a free eBook that explains the correct method for following the pomodoro technique, but the way that I’ve been using it is:
– Instead of allotting a set period of time to a project I now deal exclusively in pomodoros. My goal is to complete a set number of pomodoro each day.
– Between each pomodoro is a five minute break and after four pomodoro there is a fifteen minute break.
– I use a timer to countdown to 25 minutes and as soon as it rings I stop working (even if I’m in the middle of a sentence).
– If I become too distracted, or if I’m interrupted, than that pomodoro does not count. I have to take a 5 minute break and start all over again.
– The pomodoro only counts if I have used the full 25 minutes.
– At the start of my workday I will list all my jobs with estimations for how many pomodoro each will take. If there are tasks that are likely to take less than one pomodoro then I try to combine these with other short tasks to make a full pomodoro.
The Reasons I Love the Pomodoro Technique
I’ve found that the main benefits of the pomodoro technique are:
– I forget to take breaks from my writing, and this means that I become less effective as the day goes on. By taking regular 5 minute breaks I am able to retain my focus for much longer.
– I feel more efficient, effective, and professional. It forces me to view things more like a small business owner than a writer – something that I need to do in order to survive.
– It is easier for me to divide up my day so that I get the most work done.
– I can now see clearly the monetary value to me of any project I accept. Like many freelance writers I get paid by the word. It is easy to be fooled into thinking that because a client pays more per word that they will be paying the most overall. By judging a project by the number of pomodoro it requires, as well as the amount per word, I get a clearer picture of its monetary value.
– I can now put a monetary value on the amount of research I do for an article.
– In a recent article I mentioned how difficult it can be to stay focused on those days when I’m feeling antsy .The competitive element of trying to get as many pomodoro in one day as possible makes it easier to stay attentive.
– Another tool that I’ve been using to increase productivity is mini meditation breaks and these fit in well with the pomodoro technique.
Negative Aspects of the Pomodoro Technique
I’m impressed with the pomodoro technique and I will be adopting it going forward in my career. No system is perfect, and I do have a few quibbles with this productivity tool such as:
– It is hard not to feel a bit irritated when I need to abandon a pomodoro half way through because of interruption. This morning I almost snapped at my son because he came into my office when I’d only five minutes left to finish.
– I worry that I’ll lose my train of thought by stopping in the middle of a sentence because the timer has gone off.
