January 13, 2021

Pomodoro isn't enough

Pomodoro is a technique where you work in 25 minutes chunks, then take a 5 min break and repeat.

It’s useful if you are a student who doesn’t want to sit down and study.

Or if you need to do your tax returns.

Or some other chore that’s important but there are no immediate consequences for not doing it.

If you passionate about the topic - 25 minutes is actually limiting. The problem can be with starting to work on something.

Especially if the benefits of your work are months or years away.

If you need to work on some long term project, but procrastinate and check your fridge every ten minutes, use another approach.

Set a resolution to work only for 5 minutes, and if you don’t want to continue - you stop.

I can’t stop after 5 minutes, I get into the flow and keep going.

There is one more hack you can use to get into the flow faster.

It only takes a few minutes and only requires breathing. Also helps when you feel sleepy.

Inhale for 6 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds, repeat - do this for 5 minutes.

Works like a charm.