The Pomodoro technique is a type of time management technique. It is simply listing out the tasks that you need to complete for the day and also for the week. Then for each task it is assigning the number of pomodoros that it will take to complete that task. If it will take more than five pomodoros then you should break that task up into two tasks.
What is a pomodoro?
A pomodoro is defined as 25 minutes of uninterrupted time focused on a task from the list that you created. Once you have completed a pomodoro you decrement the number of pomodoros that are left for that task. Then you take a 5 minute break. When the break is over you come back and start another pomodoro. Once you have completed that task you can mark it as complete and move onto the next task!
Advantages of the Pomodoro Technique
The advantage of the pomodoro technique is it is very simple to understand and to start using. All you need is a timer, a sheet of paper, a pencil and the items required for your task. Originally the timer was in the shape of a pomodoro (meaning a tomato in Italian).
Disadvantages of the Pomodoro Technique
If you are interrupted during a pomodoro session then that pomodoro has to be voided and you have to start another. This is by design — it discourages distraction. It helps to let those around you know that you will be doing a pomodoro and not to disturb you until afterwards.
I recommend trying the technique for one week. Most people who do are converts.