The Pomodoro Technique
======================
tl;tr
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1. choose a task
2. set the clock for 25min
3. work until the ring
4. put a checkmark
5. take a short break
6. take a longer break for 4 pomodoros
Video
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There is a short introductory video at [the front page of pomodorotechnique.com][website].
[website]: http://pomodorotechnique.com
Books
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- [The Pomodoro Technique][tpt] -- the official book.
- [Pomodoro Technique Illustrated][pti]
[tpt]: http://pomodorotechnique.com/book/
[pti]: http://www.pomodoro-book.com/
Gist
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- Simple technique.
- Unnoticeable tools.
- Avoid distraction.
- Build a path.
- Improve predicting ability.
- Grow confidence.
- Reduce anxiety.
Five periods
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1. plan
2. track
3. record
4. analyse
5. Visualize
Tools
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- Timer
- Todo today
* todos ordered in priority
* unplanned emergent todos
- Activity inventory
Write things down when they occur to you.
- Table/Report.
* statics
* digest
* pomodoros
Pomodoro
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1 turn = 4 pomodoros + 1 large break (15min-30min)
1 pomodoro (In Chinese, 一番工夫) = 30min = 25min (work) + 5min (short break)
= 3-5min (overview/recall) + 15-20min (work) + 3-5min (review) + 5min (rest)
Pomodoros are atomic.
They cannot be divided into sub-pomodoros.
A pomodoro is either good(completed) or bad.
When you hear the ring, a pomodoro is used.
You should stop your work immediately.
If you finished your task before a pomodoro ends, you can review your study, check important aspects of your work again, etc.
If you finished your task too early, you can destroy the pomodoro.
Record
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- Task type
- Task description
- Pomodoro costs
- Notes
* result/aftermath
* improvements
* problems
Review
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A daily review (including record) should use at most one pomodoro.
Otherwise the cost of the Pomodoro technique is too heavy.
You can do a weekly or monthly review to analyse how much pomodoros you have spent on your work, study, research, etc.
Interruptions
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### Internal interruption
Interruptions should be processed in a few seconds, otherwise they will destroy your pomodoro.
Record your interruptions.
Later you can find out at which period of a day your brain is most concentrated.
If you have a new idea or a plan, write them done in your unplanned emergency area of todo today.
Interruptions should be processed according to their emergency:
1. Destroy your pomodoro and do it right now. (Rare!)
2. Do it in next pomodoro, and postpone or replace your current task.
3. Do it later today.
4. Postpone it.
### External interruption
Disable your email notification.
Turn your phone to silent mode.
According to the frequency of your emails and phone calls, check your email or phone after you have take a short or large break.
Then adjust your plan according to it.
Marks
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|mark|meaning|
|----|-------|
|×|good pomodoro|
|●|bad pomodoro|
|`|interruption|
Predications
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- Divide large (need more than 5 - 7 pomodoros) task into small ones.
- Group small and/or similar tasks for 1 pomodoro.
- Adjust your plan accordingly. Use different color or shape to record, for future analysis.
- Avid re-repredict.
Routine
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- Separate work time and spare time.
- Have enough test.
- Avoid vicious circle: `overworked -> lower productivity -> more overworked ...`
Timer
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When working with other people, you can use vibration, light and/or desktop notification instead of ring.
A mechanical timer is nice.
Winding is a good way to let you mind get focused.
Spare time
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Pomodoro technique should not be used in spare time, e.g. reading a book for rest.
https://gist.github.com/weakish/7408957#file-afterwords-on-the-pomodoro-technique-md