The deadline is creeping closer. The cursor is blinking on a blank page. An article needs to be written, and suddenly you feel an uncontrollable urge to:
- Do the laundry
- Grab yet another cup of coffee
- Finish TikTok
- Read up on the cultural history of the bonsai tree
In short: anything but writing.
Here’s a technique that—with seductive simplicity—helps you stay focused. It’s called the Pomodoro Technique. And behind that fancy name is a simple tip: set a timer for 25 minutes and get to work.
Read on to learn a method that strengthens your focus.
The Pomodoro Technique in a nutshell
The Pomodoro Technique is simple:
- Choose one task.
- Set a timer to count down from 25 minutes.
- Focus only on that one task until the timer goes off.
25 fully dedicated minutes.
Hit a wall? Feel the urge to procrastinate? Is your coffee cup suddenly empty? Remind yourself that you started the timer because you have an important task. Then calmly return to that one priority.
Writing takes energy
The challenge with writing is that it demands mental energy. And your brain is designed to conserve energy. The short explanation? Your stone age great-great-grandfather was focused on survival. Energy was saved for when it really mattered.
Smart when your life’s on the line.
Not so smart when you’re trying to write your next piece.
So the next time you feel like your willpower is fading faster than dandelions, remember—it’s not you. You don’t just need to “get it together.”
You need a technique to help you maintain focus.
You need the Pomodoro Technique.
(You might’ve heard it called the tomato method, the Pomodoro model, the Pomodoro method, or the 25-minute technique.)
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that inspired it.
So what’s that got to do with your work and your focus?
The Pomodoro Technique is all about picking one task and setting a timer for 25 minutes. During those 25 minutes, you do only that one task.
Sound rigid?
That’s because it is.
But it works.
Every time your brain pipes up and suggests that you check your email or grab another coffee, you simply say: “Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll look into it when the timer goes off.”
It’s about staying in the task. Even when you hit a wall, your coffee’s gone, or you feel an overwhelming urge to do the laundry.
Remind yourself: you set the timer because this task matters. You can power through the next 11 minutes until the bell rings.
When the timer rings, you get a five-minute break. Do whatever you like.
After five minutes, start a new Pomodoro session.
The technique is shockingly simple:
Set a timer for 25 minutes and work.
And you might think—just like I did—that it sounds too simple to be any good.
But... try it.
Set aside two hours and decide to test the Pomodoro Technique. I’m not saying it’ll be easy. I’ve stared at the ceiling myself, desperately resisting the sweet lure of procrastination. It takes some grit to keep your focus on a single task.