A Focused Day is Full of Tomatoes

ON A DAY in September 1987, a college student in Italy came up with a simple technique to help him start working and meet a class deadline. The technique in its most basic form goes like this:

Being straightforward to use and effective, the technique spread worldwide. “One of the most powerful techniques in all of learning,” said Barbara Oakley, professor of one of the largest online courses on learning strategies¹.

The inventive student behind this method, Francesco Cirillo, now a software engineer, named the technique “Pomodoro” after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used.

Studies show this method helps overcome neurological resistance to work. Just a few minutes in, once we’ve started, the resistant brain begins to cooperate with the task at hand instead of pushing us to avoid it.

However, the Pomodoro Technique is more than just an antidote to procrastination; it offers a more effective day-to-day approach to managing time.

“For many people, time is an enemy,” Cirillo penned in a slim, philosophically-minded book on the subject.²

For many people, time is an enemy.

Minutes continue to pass, but Pomodoros are only counted when we stay focused and avoid distractions. In practice, this means that after focusing for 25 minutes, I can count it as one Pomodoro. However, if I have a brief side conversation or reply to an email during that time, I haven’t completed any Pomodoros—or let’s say “Pomos” for brevity.

The concept behind Pomos is that they measure focused time. This is what sets them apart: their existence demands our undivided attention—no exceptions.

It also helps to have clarity on the task at hand, as this enhances focus. The five-minute break built into the technique is a perfect opportunity to reflect on what we’ve just done. This short pause lets us spot a better approach—or simply appreciate the work we’ve accomplished. It offers a broader perspective, like a bird’s-eye view of the path we’re on.

There’s also a benefit to adopting this method among colleagues: it gives the group a better way to talk about work. Once a team embraces the Pomodoro Technique, interactions shift. You might hear, “Oh, are you in a Pomo?” A nod means yes. “Ah, sorry—come grab me when you’re on break.” People shouldn’t need to wear giant headphones to protect their attention. Using Pomos becomes a shared way to respect each other’s focus.

To use this elegant technique, start with these three steps:

1. Get a timer that alerts you when 25 minutes have passed.
2. Track the number of Pomos you complete each day. You’ll be able to say things like, “Today I did five Pomos!” or “Yesterday, despite the chaos, I managed to squeeze in one Pomo.”
3. Let a few people around you know that you’re now measuring time using the Pomodoro method—and encourage them to give it a try too!