what causes you to procrastinate? is it fear of failure, perfectionism, boredom, or overwhelm? recognize your triggers so you can address them head-on.
2. break it down
big tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. break them down into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. progress, no matter how small, is still progress!
3. set clear goals
define specific, achievable goals for yourself and set deadlines. having a clear target to work towards will keep you focused and motivated.
4. create a game plan
plan your day ahead of time and schedule dedicated blocks for tasks. set realistic timelines and hold yourself accountable to them.
5. eliminate distractions
identify distractions in your environment and take steps to minimize them. whether it's turning off notifications, finding a quiet workspace, or using website blockers, create a conducive environment for productivity.
6. use the pomodoro technique
break your work into intervals, typically 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5 minute break. this technique can help increase focus and productivity while preventing burnout. (this really helps me personally!)
7. practice self-compassion
be kind to yourself when you slip up. we're all human, and occasional bouts of procrastination are normal. instead of dwelling on past procrastination, focus on what you can do right now to move forward.
8. find accountability
share your goals with a friend, family member, or coworker who can help keep you accountable. having someone to check in with can provide an extra boost of motivation.
9. reward yourself
celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. treat yourself to something you enjoy after completing a task or reaching a milestone. positive reinforcement can help reinforce productive habits.
the pomodoro technique was developed in the late 1980's by francesco cirillo, who was a university student at the time. here’s how it came about:
struggling to focus. cirillo found himself struggling to focus on his studies and complete assignments. feeling overwhelmed, he sought a way to improve his productivity and concentration.
the tomato timer. inspired by a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato (known as “pomodoro” in italian), cirillo decided to experiment with time management methods. he set a two-minute timer for himself and challenged himself to stay focused for just two minutes.
twenty-five-minute work intervals. building on this idea, cirillo refined the technique. he divided his work into twenty-five-minute intervals, which he called “pomodoros”. during each pomodoro, he worked diligently on a task without distractions.
short breaks. after each twenty-five-minute work interval, cirillo took a five-minute break. these breaks allowed him to recharge and maintain focus.
longer breaks. after completing four pomodoros (a total of one-hundred minutes), he rewarded himself with a longer break of fifteen to thirty minutes. this cycle helped him manage his time effectively.
some challenges that people face with the pomodoro timer include: facing interruptions and distractions, task switching, ridgity, ignoring breaks, perfectionism and fatigue.
this is why some students choose to partake in a 45:15 pomodoro, as it allows them to spend more time on their tasks, and then they can enjoy a longer break.
longer intervals allow for deep focus. some students find it difficult to switch tasks every twenty-five-minutes, preferring to immerse themselves in a topic for a longer period.
certain academic tasks, such as extended essays, research and programming, require sustained attention. longer pomodoros accommodate this better.
it's important to remember that everyone has different levels of focus and a unique productivity rhythm. it's important to test out different structures and strategies and learn what works best with your natural flow.
Unleashing Focus: How Pomodoro Transformed My Procrastination Habits
Hey fellow students! 👋 Today, I'm sharing a study game-changer that turned my procrastination habits around : the Pomodoro Technique. As a second-year electrical engineering student, I've faced the challenges of balancing coursework, labs, and exams. The Pomodoro Technique has been my secret weapon, significantly improving my focus, productivity, and overall academic performance.
Overcoming Procrastination
I used to be a notorious procrastinator. The daunting size of tasks overwhelmed me, leading to delayed assignments and last-minute cramming. Enter Pomodoro, and everything changed.
Pomodoro in Action
Here's how I apply the Pomodoro Technique to overcome procrastination and boost my grades:
Clear Goals: Before each study session, I set specific tasks or topics to cover during the Pomodoro intervals.
Timed Focus: Using a simple timer app, I dive into focused 25-minute (up to 50 minutes) study sessions, eliminating distractions and boosting productivity.
Short Breaks: After each Pomodoro, I take a 5 or 10-minute break to refresh my mind, stretch, or grab a quick snack.
Longer Breaks: Every four Pomodoros, I reward myself with a 15-30 minute break to fully recharge.
Results Speak Louder
Since adopting the Pomodoro Technique, my grades have seen a remarkable improvement. The structured approach transformed me from a procrastinator into a focused and efficient learner.
If you're battling procrastination and seeking a study routine that works, give the Pomodoro Technique a shot. It's not about the quantity of study hours but the quality of focused learning.
To keep myself motivated and help other students, I recorded my study sessions using this technique and made them available online. You can check my channel if you’d like to give it a try.
Try it out, and let me know how Pomodoro works for you! Happy studying! 📚💡
Alarms to get up. Alarms to tell me to go to bed. Alarms to time my lunch break. Alarms to remind me I'm making tea. Calendar reminders to put the bins out and to pay bills. A timer to go off to make me start a task. A timer to make me stop a task.
I really like to study to the dgs ost and also i like pomodoros so i made this. I use it myself so i figured id clean it up so i could share it too! Or, you know, you might just enjoy my drawing of sholmes as the lo-fi girl, and thats just fine.
i organised this lil study date like a week ago and it finally happened! i feel so proud. my school has a partnership with a nearby university, so i was able to study in the uni library.
my friends and i used a pomodoro timer to stay on track, and in the break, we would chat about what we were revising and learning. it worked very well and i was pretty productive.