We have already discussed the importance of managing time online and why it is so important to have limitations. Although a good portion of our world today exists via the internet, there are still many ways we need to manage time in real life. One of the most well-known time management methods is the Pomodoro Technique, which we have written about in full detail in a previous blog post. (For those of you wondering what the deal is with all the images of tomatoes in this post – “pomodoro” is Italian for “tomato”.)

Today’s post on the Alarm Clock Blog will cover a brief summary of the Pomodoro Technique and how to practice it with Online Clock‘s beneficial timing features. We will also discuss the importance and benefits of time management, from the perspective of professionals and educators.

To understand the Pomodoro Technique’s benefits, it is first important to understand what time management is specifically and why it is so beneficial in work and personal lives. Time management is not simply a theory. It is such an important quality for people to possess that professional employers and universities offer classes about it. In addition to this, many professional jobs require staff to possess time management as a skill. In a staff guide on competency through successful job behavior by Syracuse University, the skills of “Planning & Organization/Time Management” are listed. Along with it, an excellent definition is given, specifying that time management establishes a systematic course of action for others or self to ensure a specific objective is accomplished. It is also noted that the individual must set goals, priorities and timetables so they may achieve “maximum productivity.” Those last two words sum up the overall key concept of what the outcome of time management should be. The guide goes on to note that behaviors of staff who implement this technique properly will develop a system to track information, keep records of projected goals/achieved goals, set realistic priorities and always be aware of the status of each goal.

The Ohio Resource Literacy Center at Kent State University published a guide about Time Management & Prioritizing. Prioritizing is connected to time management to create the best possible result. Be sure tasks are completed in their priority order. For example, when working on two projects at a job, it is best to complete the one that has the nearest deadline first. There are several ways listed in which time management can result in benefits. When time is managed in a career, goals can be met. Good communication will also result – then it is possible to easily give direction, support and motivation to fellow workers.

In this guide, it is also emphasized that relaxation is important. Goals for time management should also include relaxing activities. Along with this, it is crucial to have time budgeted for interruptions and unexpected events that may happen and require attention. Time management is also a tool to sharpen thinking. Strategy, planning and considering goals develops a solid default thought process. Another interesting subject covered is to use one’s “prime time” of the day. As we have discussed in a previous Alarm Clock Blog post, prime time would be the time of day where a person feels they are the most productive, gaged by concrete results. For most people, this is during regular business or daylight hours.

Now we will quickly review what the Pomodoro Technique is.

It is a simple set of steps for time management and prioritizing, using the above-mentioned concepts that scholars and educators recommend. To complete this technique, people must accomplish a list of tasks, ensuring they are listed in order of priority. According to their official website, the Pomodoro Technique designates a time frame of 25 minutes for each task. While the clock is ticking, work only on the first project. After the time is up, the instructions say to check the first item off the list and take a short break – perhaps five minutes, then another longer break after every set of four completed tasks. The Pomodoro Technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo in 1992. Although the official website promotes the purchase of the official kit, which includes a tomato-shaped twist timer, the book about the Pomodoro Technique is available for free to download online. In addition to this, the timers at OnlineClock.net are always free to use. So, we figured this is a great – and free – way for all our dedicated readers to practice one of the best time management processes today!

The Pomodoro Technique emphasizes the importance of breaks. The same idea as physical exercise can be applied to illustrate the concept of this importance. Muscles need rest after physical exercise workouts – the brain also needs breaks after mental workouts. In addition to this, our brains are instinctively designed to recognize and distinguish work and rewards from one another. As published in a guide by the Office of Human Resources at the University of Minnesota, it is noted that rewards are necessary for continued motivation. Those who do not receive rewards or breaks will find no motivation to work, as work without rewards is completely undesirable for any human being. UMN’s guide states that motivation cannot be created, but it can be influenced. Breaks are necessary for rejuvenating the mind and body, as well as acting as a reward. When people have a break – or reward – to look forward to, this makes the work seem worth the effort, which is the formula for motivation. Motivation is one of the most important things to have to successfully complete this technique.

How To Use Online Clock’s Timers To Practice The Pomodoro Technique

We know that not every task should take 25 minutes to complete. Perhaps a dreaded email must be composed and sent. If it is short, this may only take five minutes. With those extra 20 minutes allotted in the suggested 25-minute frame, there are likely one or more tasks that can also be completed to optimize a list of goals. To enjoy the benefits of time management by using the Pomodoro Technique, follow these simple steps:

Go to Timer.OnlineClock.net There is a drop-down menu with an option for a period of 25-minutes that the Pomodoro Technique recommends, or you can just use Online Clock’s preset 25 minute timer. For tasks that take less time, there are also timers for every other minute increment under 25 minutes. Leave the page open and wait to select the appropriate time amount. Next, obtain a piece of paper and something to write with. If choosing to track all progress on the computer instead, it may be more beneficial for some people to type the list in a word-processing program. Review the list and revise it as needed, ensuring each item is ordered according to its priority. To ensure the project is organized and efficient, set up a special folder only for Pomodoro Technique practice. Get ready to complete the first task. When prepared, select the appropriate increment of time from the Online Clock timer. As soon as the time is selected, the countdown timer will automatically begin and the task should immediately be started. During the time in which the counter is activated, focus completely on the assigned task. Avoid all other distractions if possible. Prioritizing is the key to remember when deciding which interruptions are important. For example, an important business call should be answered while at work, but a Facebook chat invite from a friend should be ignored during this time. When the timer reaches zero, stop working on the task. Working intensely requires a lot of brain power, so it is necessary to take a break after this. As mentioned, the Pomodoro Technique suggests about five minutes. Online Clock has a timer in that increment also. Select the five-minute timer and use this time to complete any quick personal tasks or simply relax. Begin another task and continue the cycle until four tasks have been completed. At the end of those four tasks, take a longer break. Based on the amount of tasks that are needed to complete, this may be 10 minutes or 30 minutes; this is up to the decision of the person working. Obtain a notebook or open a new word-processing page on a computer. Write down the results of each task. Were they all successfully completed during the time allotted? If not, be sure to specify why.

Sometimes unexpected obstacles or distractions are the reason; sometimes a task may simply require more time, regardless of focus and effort. Remember to keep quality of work a high priority. After recording the day’s successes and failures, write a list of goals for the next day and a set of tasks to complete. If possible, be sure the tasks can be completed during the time of day where one feels most productive.

Although not everyone may be able to complete tasks in 25 minutes the first few tries, it is important to keep practicing self-challenges.

In the end, people who budget their time and try to meet their goals will find their day was much more productive than those who allow constant unnecessary interruptions to distract them.

The Pomodoro Technique combines many great ideas, including: focusing on a project for optimal work accomplished, time management to budget the minutes and hours in a day, and prioritizing to be sure all of the most important things are completed and work/reward balance. It truly is an effective method for getting more things done each day.

So, Clock Fans, with OnlineClock.net’s simple guide as your starting point, we wish you…Happy Pomodoring!