Ok – so this turned out to be a larger project than I originally thought it would. I found this idea of the Pomodoro Technique and started adding it to my GTD and OmniFocus methods of working. Hey, that’s a post, right? Well, it actually turned into a series of posts starting with this one.
I think that’s the nature of any understanding, though. When we see something, it looks simple, complicated, whatever. Whatever it is we see is based upon our previous conceptions, our previous prejudices, and an amalgamation of previous experience. When we actually examine the concept, its intricacies and nuances become more apparent. When we actually get into a project, it becomes apparent that it takes much less or more time and effort than originally anticipated. A good system of working will take this into account.
OmniFocus and GTD allows us to draw a map of the Project’s landscape. A pomodoro is the legend along the bottom telling us the distance in time. Both the map and the legend are adjusted as we begin traveling. In the end, the map is not the landscape it is meant to represent, but it can sure help in getting us from point A to point B.
This series is likely best for those familiar with GTD, and are interested in continuing to optimize their productivity. (See also my previous series on OmniFocus and GTD starting with How to Use OmniFocus – A Guide for the Advanced User)
Time is a tremendously valuable resource, but Attention is the resource over which we actually have control. In this series, we’ll start off with a brief description of the Pomodoro Technique, conceived by Francesco Cirillo, followed by thoughts on integrating it with GTD. The GTD program used is OmniFocus though other programs or even pen and paper may work as well.
Comparing the two is a bit odd. GTD is an overarching general methodology of doing tasks throughout one’s life be they in personal or work environments, while the Pomodoro technique is a very specific action suited towards particular focused tasks. But, it is in this stark contrast by which the pomodoro technique can add another flavor to the productivity mix.
The future posts are tentatively titled:
- Part II: How the Pomodoro Works
- Part III: GTD and the Pomodoro – Areas of Conflict and Support
- Part IV: GTD and the Pomodoro – Working Together
- Part V: The Practical – Best Uses for Pomodoro in GTD
- Part VI: Practical Matters: Using OmniFocus to integrate a Pomodoro Routine
- Part VII: Final Thoughts on the Pomodoro
If you’re interested in following along with this series, be sure to either join my twitter feed or rss feed. I plan on releasing these every Monday until it’s done.
I’ll be interested in what you have to say. I followed your link to pomodorotechnique.com and I confess I had a negative knee-jerk reaction reading the brief summary:
Using a timer set to any (arbitrary) amount seems to fly in the face of flow + concentration. It’s likely OK with horrid tasks (that can or should be segmented?), but when you’re in the flow and the Muse is upon you, I shudder at the idea of losing the flow by an arbitrarily set .
I know, eg, that Intel released a study showing it can take up to 20 minutes to regain your concentration after being interrupted. A timer set for 40 minutes allows only 20 minutes of flow before it intrudes (again). That seems undesirable to me.
If you’re composing a piece of music and the melody is coming along nicely, perhaps some counterpoint is finally revealing itself, and then … …. Not only is your train of thought derailed, but there’s no guaranty that the Muse will patiently wait while you regather yourself.
As I said, I’m looking forward to see what you have to say on this.
Best,
Keith
Hi Keith,
You bring up a very important point – when are these useful? There are definitely some tasks they can be useful for and others for which they are not. Many creative works, for example, have their own time and that muse should be respected. In fact, part of the craft of any art is in learning precisely the timing called for. My morning piano practice is definitely not timed and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours if other commitments allow.
Having said that, I don’t think pomodoros or any set time of work need be reserved for painful tasks, necessarily. However, they do tend to lend themselves well to the things I would consider more work than play. Certain reading, writing, and studying tasks do seem to do well. Even this series was written using the technique, and I did enjoy the process.
While there are the inherent 5-minute breaks, there is a certain flow established that incorporates these.
As I write this, I think perhaps one of the deciding factors of whether to use a set time is precisely in whether or not a person can do 25 minutes of the task uninterrupted by either internal factors such as boredom or external distractions. If not, then setting the timer can at least call attention to the idea that some commitments to self or others haven’t been settled.