Bernard O'Shea: Can this catchy technique help me focus?

Could the Pomodoro technique help you focus, or is it another trendy productivity hack?

Bernard O'Shea. Photograph Moya Nolan

Have you ever sat down to work only to watch cat videos for hours? One moment, you’re determined to tackle those dusty emails that you were supposed to respond to last week, and the next, you’re deep into the rabbit hole of YouTube, watching videos about the history of Prussia.

Francesco Cirillo invented the Pomodoro Technique in the late 1980s. It’s based on the idea that breaking work into intervals, usually 25 minutes long, with short breaks in between, can boost productivity and concentration. Scientific studies suggest that focused intervals followed by breaks reduce mental fatigue and improve overall performance. The method leverages the brain’s natural attention span, typically 20-30 minutes. However, social media has surpassed that to under three seconds (yep, that’s terrifying!) But how effective could it really be for someone as easily distracted as me?

The name “Pomodoro” is the Italian word for tomato. The entire technique was inspired by the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used during university. While this technique might sound novel, working in bursts has been around for centuries; ancient philosophers like Seneca advocated for periods of focused work followed by rest.

Here’s the gist: Set a timer for 25 minutes. Focus on one task until the timer is up. Then, take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle four times, and then take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. It’s as simple as it sounds, but sticking to it? That’s the real challenge.

To start, I downloaded a Pomodoro app on my phone — nothing fancy, just a basic timer with a ticking sound that made me feel like I was defusing a bomb. The first few sessions were rough. I kept glancing at the clock, wondering when the torture would end. Here’s a step-by-step guide for those who want to try it:

• Choose a task: It could be anything from writing an article to cleaning your desk or buttering 12 sets of cream crackers (there are many summer camps in the O’Shea house this week).
• Set the timer: Start with a 25-minute timer. Focus solely on the task.
• Work: Immerse yourself in the task, ignoring all distractions. This is your “Pomodoro.”
• Break: When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break.
• Repeat: Do four Pomodoros, then take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

Honestly, the breaks were my favourite part. They became little celebrations, like “Woohoo! I made it 25 minutes without checking Instagram!” It felt like being in school again.

Breaking tasks into smaller chunks isn’t just good for productivity; it aligns with how our brains naturally work. Historically, humans have always worked in cycles—think of how farmers work with the seasons or how athletes train in intervals. The Pomodoro Technique taps into this rhythm. Similar techniques are used in various professional fields, such as software development.

The Pomodoro Technique works for me. My focus has improved, and my productivity hasn’t exactly soared, but I most definitely have fewer moments of staring blankly at screens.But here’s why I think it works. There is something almost magical about how we gravitate towards techniques with catchy names, and the Pomodoro Technique is a prime example. It’s not just a time-management method; it’s an appealing concept wrapped in an intriguing name.

When you hear “Pomodoro,” you think of an exotic Italian tomato, evoking images of culinary finesse. This branding makes the technique more than just another productivity hack; it becomes a lifestyle choice you can confidently recommend to friends. “Oh, you should try the Pomodoro Technique” sounds far more engaging and sophisticated than saying, “You should work in 25-minute intervals.” Culturally, we are wired to embrace these branded techniques because they offer a sense of novelty and promise of transformation. They come with the allure of a secret that can make us more efficient, creative, or focused. This psychological effect taps into our innate desire for improvement and mastery. I cannot help but think that if it was called the “Bacon and cabbage effect” or “The Irish Stew technique,” I possibly wouldn’t have taken to it as kindly.

So, if you’re like me and struggle with staying focused, try the Pomodoro Technique. It might just be the secret sauce you need to boost your productivity.