Why I don't use the Pomodoro technique

Momentum: It is very difficult to build up real momentum within each session using the pomodoro technique. You get to work for 25 minutes and then stop. You get 5 minutes and then have to start again. That break is doing nothing but killing your momentum and taking you out of focus early. You might feel like you need it, but don’t confuse willpower with fatigue. I used to use the pomodoro technique, and I genuinely felt like I need a break that often. Turns out, I just didn’t have the willpower to push though. You’re capable of focusing for hours at a time, so stopping after 25 minutes is inefficient as a lot of energy is spent just to get into focus.

Depth: You can not get into the deepest states of focus possible unless you’re doing deep work. These are 60-120 minute sessions. You can go for longer, but throughout the entire day its most efficient to go for around 90 minutes at a time. I have personally done my fastest, highest quality work after the first 30 minutes. When you spend long enough on a task, your brian takes it seriously and works at a higher level.

Efficiency: 5 minute breaks are not enough in my opinion. Even though you aren’t working at a high level of focus with pomodoro, you will still tire eventually. When this happens, I think you need at least 15 minutes of rest. In the early stages it just interrupts focus, but after 5/ 6 it’s not even enough. I have made far greater progress doing 90 minute sessions, and I actually enjoy my breaks because they last 30-60 minutes. It is amazing what you can accomplish in 90 minutes when you allow your mind to fully commit to a task.

Consistency: Has anyone actually got a lot done with pomodoro, every single day for months in a row? I could personally never stay consistent. When you only have a 5 minute break, you’re setting yourself up for failure. It’s really hard to start again after only 5 minutes, so I found myself often taking more like 15 minute breaks. And they weren’t deserved because I barely got any work done in the 25 minutes. And a lot of the time these would turn into breaks that lasted hours. After a deep work session you can take a break for as long as you feel you need without guilt, because you know you got a huge amount done in the 90 minutes.

Bonus: Do not use your phone on your breaks. It is not restful at all and will make the next session significantly less focused.

I hope you found this helpful. If you want any more advice on focus/productivity, don’t hesitate to ask.

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