Why the Pomodoro Technique REALLY Works

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Why does the famous tecnica pomodoro work? And how can we apply the same principles to other techniques?

Your comments fuel me! Please leave comments, suggestions and questions freely below. I'd love to discuss anything I talked about in more depth with you!

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Justin Sung is an ex-junior doctor who is passionate about creating efficient and meaningful change. He believes that a culture of spoon-feeding and tutoring is a societal issue and that most people are not making good career decisions - especially around medicine. He runs two social enterprises in New Zealand: JTT, which advises and supports students around medical entry, and Finding Gravity, which empowers students to take control of their learning, gain confidence around academia and study more efficiently.
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[moisesmena]

Pomodoro technique was my first breakthrough in the study techniques realm. Since I use it, college really became more bearable.

[rabbitandcrow]

I find just setting a timer, regardless of the length of time, is helpful. Even “I’m going to sit here for 15 min until the timer goes off” makes a world of difference.

[QuaqQuao]

I used a pomodoro timer to get me through a full weekend of study which needed to end with a finished article. I got in 24 pomodoros on Saturday and 22 on Sunday. It really helped me keep a high degree of consentration through it all while also allowing me rest that was restful. The next three days however my rating in online chess stooped by 300 points or so, and I felt like my head was a puff of cotton.

[krystalgomez]

I naturally have figured it out that i could best focus for 45-50 mins at a time. Sometimes only 40 mins. So after a bit of experimentation with a lil bit with different time intervals I realized 50/10 interval works the best for me. with 30 mins break after every 3 sessions of studying.
I know ppl some ppl dnt actually realize how they should be doing pomodoro right. And how it just doesn't work for everyone.
So yeah love the vid

[TheElevenBravo]

Great analogy of "cache" being used here!
Thank you so much for this awesome video!

[BmoreAkuma]

I only just started this "Pomodoro" by mistake while doing self-study. The one thing I will mention is it does prevent me from distracting myself from other things and allows me to use the "break" to look into the distractions.

[maxwellchazireni]

I used a 40 minute work block followed by 10 minute break but sometimes focus deeps down and I adopted this one after feeling the limits of the pomodoro

[ImprovementGang]

I started with Pomodoro, now I use the 52/17 intervals

[gaiagavemeeverything]

I use the pomodoro technique 50 10. Sometimes it is great sometimes it is not, most of the time depending on the task I have to do...

[vincentpham]

I do. When I write I do a 30 minute work with a 10 minute break. I'm changing it up to a 5 minute break. When I study it's 45 minute work with 10 minute break. I work full time and a part time college student and study around 8-9 hours a week minimum

[samuelbarnett]

That potato bit was actually funny 👍👍👍

[skyzsolstice]

why would you want the attention residue to be cleaned up if you're going to continue the same task after the break?

If I'm understanding this correctly using the webpage analogy, we want the use the cache if we reload the page otherwise the page will load slower the next time we look at it

[jayjtrainer]

3:30 I feel called out I'm listening to the video and gaming at the same time

[jillhbaudhaan]

I think the Pomodoro method is a great start. However, if I find that while reading, my engagement with in the material is high, I keep going. I don't get distracted by the limitations of the 25 minutes.

[seetsamolapo]

Hey Justin, how does one avoid taking breaks for too long? A lot of times 5 minutes doesn't feel enough especially when studying technical material

[ahlanmalik]

00:00 🍅 Understanding the Pomodoro Technique

Introduces the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break.
Origin story of the technique involving a tomato timer and its effectiveness.


01:29 🥔 The Inconsistency of Effectiveness

Students often experience uncertainty regarding when to use the Pomodoro technique.
Lack of understanding about why and when it is effective.


01:57 🧠 Principles Behind Pomodoro Technique

Explains the concept of attention residue and its impact on performance.
Compares the brain's cache to loading a webpage, highlighting the importance of focus on one task at a time.


04:21 🕰 Time Pressure and Focus

Discusses how time pressure reduces attention residue, benefiting task completion and transition.
Highlights the effect of time pressure on reducing distractions and increasing focus.


05:48 🚫 Limitations of the Pomodoro Technique

Addresses key limitations that may hinder the effectiveness of the Pomodoro technique.
Teases an upcoming video focusing on the technique's limitations and solutions.


07:18 ✨ Creating an Enhanced Technique

Hints at an alternative technique combining the lessons learned from the Pomodoro technique and its limitations.
Encourages audience engagement and feedback regarding the Pomodoro technique's effectiveness.



harpa ai

[ahlanmalik]

- Introduction to the Pomodoro technique and its basic premise (25-minute work block, 5-minute rest block).

- Origin story of the Pomodoro technique (discovered tomato timer).

- Common perception: Pomodoro is effective but not always understood why.

- The binary view of its effectiveness: works like a tomato, or acts like a potato.

- Desire for consistent focus and understanding the underlying principles.


- Attention residue explained: lingering effects from the previous task affecting focus on the new task.

- Comparison to computer cache: the brain's process of holding information.

- Multitasking is discouraged due to the need for focus rebuilding.

- Pomodoro's time pressure aids in reducing attention residue.

- Benefits at both the beginning and end of tasks explained.


- Focus is influenced by various factors including distractibility.

- Pomodoro technique acts as a temporal cage, increasing focus through time pressure.

- Research on digital distractions and Pomodoro's impact on task distraction rates.

- Less distraction means smoother flow and less need for attention residue rebuilding.

- Time pressure's positive effect on maintaining focus during tasks.


- Clean start for tasks, enabling quick activation of flow state.

- Reduced distractibility and increased focus during task execution.

- Effective wrap-up, leading to less attention residue for future tasks.

- Overall, it allows for focused, efficient work with minimal cognitive load.


- Introduction to key limitations hindering effective use of the Pomodoro technique.

- Teaser for a separate video focusing on Pomodoro's limitations.

- Promise of an alternative technique addressing these limitations.

- Assurance of effectiveness based on personal and student experiences.

- Encouragement for viewer input on their experiences with the Pomodoro technique.

[ahlanmalik]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:00 🍅 Introduction and Overview of Pomodoro Technique
01:29 🧠 Attention Residue and Task Switching
03:23 🕰️ Impact of Time Pressure on Distractions
05:18 💡 Three Stages of Pomodoro Technique Benefits
06:48 🛑 Limitations of the Pomodoro Technique

Made with HARPA AI

[KimLiland]

Perhaps some good points here. But please, please, pretty please, drop the muzak. Could not listen past about 1:30.

[cristiplopeanu]

These principles sound highly subjective. Are they Principles or Opinions?