There will come a time when you have to get a work project completed, but it is the last thing that you want to do. Heck, this will happen a lot over everyone’s work life. There is nothing wrong with it. However, if you want to keep your job, you have a responsibility to put in the work and be a better employee. So this article will give you a very useful technique that will help you work more efficiently and effectively even when you have no motivation to do so.
The Pomodoro Method is an excellent time management technique to help us complete tasks when there is no motivation.
Let’s look at how the method works and why it helps you focus even when you aren’t motivated to do so.
What Is The Pomodoro Method?
The Pomodoro Method is a time management system that I use to complete my work. It is a simple highly efficient method that has helped me tackle tasks ranging from work, school, and Adulting Starts Here.
When it comes to working, the Pomodoro Method gives me a framework to operate within. Additionally, it splits sessions into intervals so even if I’m not motivated to complete work I can convince myself to focus on a task for a small session and repeat until the Pomodoro method is completed. By the end of the Pomodoro, I have often completed most if not all of my work to-do list.
Read More: Do you have newfound free time after making a job switch?
How Does The Pomodoro Method Work?
Simply put the Pomodoro Method makes use of short work sprints lasting 25 minutes. After the 25-minute interval concludes, you then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this 3 more times and at the conclusion of the 4th 25-minute interval, you take a longer break ranging from 15-30 minutes.
Completing four 25-minute sessions equals one Pomodoro or about two and a half hours depending on how long your breaks turn out to be. Right now, I have the goal of working up to completing two Pomodoros back to back.
It sounds a lot easier than it is. Trust me. Minimizing distractions and actually getting back to work when the rest breaks are complete are tough.
So it is also smart to complete your sessions in a quiet and relatively low activity area. Since I was working virtually, I have been completing my Pomodors in my home, but now I am going to start trying to go to local libraries and coffee shops to switch up my environments.
| Step 1 | Determine The Task |
| Step 2 | Set A 25-Minute Timer |
| Step 3 | Work On Your Task Until The Time Is Up |
| Step 4 | Take A 5 Minute Break |
| Step 5 | At The End Of The 4th Pomodoro, Take A 15 – 30 Minute Break |
Why Do The Pomodoro Method?
The Pomodoro Method helps you tackle your daily work necessities and major tasks while instilling breaks and promoting a structure. Even when you don’t feel like working if you follow the Pomodoro Method you have no choice but to focus on completing tasks for at least two hours.
Which for me is the max how long I will spend on a project or task in one sitting. After that, I take a long break maybe, maybe 30 minutes to an hour. I then go for a walk outside, play a video game, or go eat something. Once those 30 minutes to an hour are complete, I then return to working on the to-do list and start a new Pomodoro session.
I was very often not motivated to work at home, but using this method has helped me maintain a good work ethic and figure out my work-life balance.
How Can You Implement The Pomodoro Method To Be A Better Employee?
Begin with dividing up your daily work necessity tasks and longer-term tasks.
Once you have a list, next prioritize from there. Since you have daily items and longer-term items, it usually makes the most sense to focus on the daily items first. However, you can prioritize any way that suits you.
Below is an example of how I would prioritize items in my workday to become a better employee.
A sample prioritization might look something like this:
| Check and Respond to Emails | Task |
| Check scheduled emails and make sure they sent | |
| Project 1 | Update Airtable Entries |
| Prep For Weekly Checkin w/ Boss | Outline Tasks completed over the week/note issues that aros |
From there, head to a quiet and not busy location. You want to complete your Pomodoro sessions in environments that are not distracting and have very low foot traffic. If you work in a cubicle setting, see if you can move to a conference room to get more solitude while you work. Or if you are into music and are allowed to do so in the office, put in your earphones and play some music that helps you focus while you work.
Next, refer to the list where you prioritized your tasks and get started with your first Pomodoro session. In reference to the list I made above I would start with checking and responding to emails. If at any point I finish my emails before a 25-minute session is complete, I can then do one of two things. I can immediately move on to my next item when the 25-minute session ends or I can take a longer break and start a new Pomodoro from scratch.
Note that in the beginning, you will probably only be able to complete one Pomodoro session in its entirety. Know that that is okay. It can be tough doing multiple Pomodoros when you first start practicing the technique.
Mastering The Pomodoro Method Takes Time
Focus on completing one and starting another once you have given yourself an adequate break. If you feel yourself not being able to focus take another break. This time find another location where you can work. Does your office have a kitchen space where you can work? Or another floor that is more secluded?
Sometimes changing locations is the reset we need to regain our ability to focus and complete our work.
In the end, do what works best for you. It is all about trial and error as you learn how best to apply the Pomodoro Method to your work life and become a better employee.
What are thoughts? Do you have any tips to share that help make you a better employee? Share them in the comments below!
Best of luck adulting!
And Remember,
Adulting Starts Here
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