Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team The Pomodoro Technique is a simple way to work in focused bursts. It is popular with freelancers and students because it makes big tasks feel manageable and builds in breaks. Here is how to use it.
The five steps
- Choose one task to work on.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes. You can use our free Pomodoro timer.
- Work on the task until the timer rings. If you get distracted, note it down and return.
- Take a 5-minute break away from the screen.
- After four rounds, take a longer break.
Tips that help
- Break large tasks into pieces that fit one or two sessions.
- Silence notifications during a session.
- Use breaks to move, drink water and rest your eyes.
- If 25 minutes feels too short or too long, try 40 and 10 or 15 and 3.
- Log completed sessions to see how long tasks really take, and use it to price work. See billable hours and utilization.
For freelancers
Use sessions to protect client work from admin and email. Track what you achieve to price projects more accurately with the project price calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Why 25 minutes?
It was the original length. It is long enough to make progress and short enough to stay focused. You can change it.
What if I am interrupted?
Note the interruption, deal with it if urgent, and restart the session.
Does it work for creative work?
Many people find it useful for starting tasks. If it breaks your flow, use longer sessions.
Related reading: Freelance Business Setup Checklist · Billable Hours and Utilization Rate
This article is general productivity advice.