When you’re in charge, your productivity directly influences the success of your business. Using effective time-management strategies helps you get through the most important tasks efficiently. You also set a good example for your employees when you can avoid procrastination and boost your productivity. The Pomodoro Technique is one way to help you focus and get more done in the day.

Back: Time Management and Productivity in Your Small Business

Next: 5 Ways to Manage Emails that Improves Your Productivity

Purpose of the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity and time management tool developed by Francesco Cirillo that helps you focus intensely on one task at a time. The idea behind the technique is that frequent breaks increase mental agility and overall productivity. In other words, if you want to get more done, you need to take regular breaks from your work. When you use this technique, you choose a specific task from your to-do list, set a timer, and work just on that one task until the time runs out.

Some of the perks of using the Pomodoro Technique include:

• Easy to implement with just a timer and a to-do list
• Helps you cut down on interruptions and stay focused on a task
• Breaks up tasks into smaller chunks to make them more manageable
• Naturally builds in breaks to give your brain a rest
• Forces you to focus on a specific task to avoid bouncing around or wasting time

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique

To use the Pomodoro Technique, you need a timer of some sort. This can be a kitchen timer, the timer function on your smartphone, or an online Pomodoro timer. Then:

1. Choose a task you want to complete.
2. Set your timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work on the task until the timer rings.
4. After the timer rings, put a check mark on a piece of paper.
5. Take a five-minute break.
6. Go back to step one.
7. Once you have four check marks on the paper, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. Then repeat this process.

The goal is to only work on the task you choose throughout each 25-minute period. You inevitably face interruptions to your workflow or distractions that pull at your attention, especially if you have employees who need your assistance. If you follow the Pomodoro Technique exactly, you can’t pause a session to address the interruption.

You can, however, end the session early and start a new one once you handle the situation. Or you can put off the interruption until your timer rings. For example, if an employee comes to you with a question, you might explain that you’re currently working on a project. Let the employee know when you are available to discuss the issue.

Of course, this doesn’t work for an urgent issue, such as an injury or a major customer problem that needs immediate attention. In those cases, simply restart your 25-minute session once you resolve the issue.

Using your time efficiently is crucial when running a business. You can improve your productivity with strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique and tools that help you automate work tasks. The QuickBooks Time app helps freelancers, contractors, and sole proprietors track and manage their businesses on the go. Download the app today to increase your productivity.

Back: Time Management and Productivity in Your Small Business

Next: 5 Ways to Manage Emails that Improves Your Productivity