The Pomodoro Technique: the Problem

Everybody has probably heard of the pomodoro technique. It’s a simple time-based productivity hack to get work done. You first set a timer for 25 minutes in which you work, and then take 5 minutes rest or just away from work. You repeat this cycle.This method has its benefits and drawbacks, which I’m going to discuss.

The pomodoro technique is great to start working. When you think of working for only 25 minutes, it seems small and you start working rather than not fixing time and finding work daunting. The 5 minute break is also effective at maintaining energy; if you were to only work without taking a break, you would lose energy and motivation quicker. It also keeps you accountable: you must work until the timer hits 0. 

The problem starts as you enter high school,  college and later. Deadlines pop up, and believe it or not, students cannot afford to rest 5 minutes every 25 minutes. Another problem is that 25 minutes. 25 minutes is too short of a time period for most tasks past the middle school level. A normal calculus 2 assignment takes anywhere between an hour – 3 hours and splitting it into 25 minutes will break the flow. If you’ve read my previous post on flow state, you will know the benefit of being in a flow state; you can work for hours without feeling bored or demotivated. This 25/5 method makes you get up and break that flow every 25 minutes, adding friction every time you want to get back to your work. One reasonable fix could be extending the time as necessary, like doing a 50/10 timer but even then you will force yourself out of the flow state, which you got into after great effort.

Pomodoro technique is like a starter kit; it’s not the best but it helps you get into the world of productivity hacks.