Try Pomodoro 2.0 to Focus on Deep Work
When it comes to productivity hacks , I like two things: tried-and-true classics like the Pomodoro method , and shaking it up with a few tweaks. I’ve written before about other ways to shape a Pomodoro to suit your needs, but today’s idea, Pomodoro 2.0, is one of the simplest and most effective adaptations.
What do I mean by Pomodoro 2.0?
First, let us remind you what the Pomodoro technique is. When you use this technique to stay focused and productive, you set an alarm for 25 minutes, work for that time, and then take a five-minute break. You complete this cycle four times, then give yourself a longer break at the end, up to half an hour, before starting again. That’s it. It works because you spend these relatively short periods of time really concentrating on the task at hand, knowing that a reprieve is coming. Since they aren’t too long, it doesn’t feel insurmountable.
A while ago I saw the idea of ”Pomodoro 2.0″ mentioned on a forum and started Googling. What I found impressed me: it reflects one of the main criticisms I have of the original: 25 minutes is not always enough to get into a state of deep work .
Dr. Christian Poensgen of Beyond Productivity recommends starting a Pomodoro session with a 30-minute work block and then adding more time to it after a break, continuing from 15 to 60 minutes. I recommend doing this gradually, adding 15 each time so you’re working 30, then 45, then 60 and finally 75 minutes before your big break. Adding too much too early or working in too large chunks throughout the process defeats one of the main goals of the method, which is not to get overwhelmed, so it’s best to go slower and easier while still adding in on time. .
Why use Pomodoro 2.0?
The Pomodoro technique is great (and has been popular for so long) because it helps you ease into work, motivated by small sprints of work and the promise of reward. It’s absolutely true that you need to take breaks to maintain productivity, so this part should never be changed or skipped, but sometimes 25-minute workout sessions just aren’t enough. Getting into a state of deep work (or pure concentration, where you have no distractions and feel like time is slipping away because you’re working so efficiently) takes time. Constantly stopping yourself before you reach that point is counterproductive.
In some cases, it is important to give yourself more time to work on more complex tasks, such as taking breaks. Gradually adding time to your work blocks will help you calm down and get more done without overloading yourself. You should consider this change if you have a large project that requires a lot of resources or energy, allowing yourself to move on to more complex parts by adding minutes to the timer.
If you try this and don’t get the results you want, you can shake it up another way. Remember the idea of “ eating a frog ” or tackling the most important item on your to-do list in the morning? Consider eating a frog in Pomodoro 2.0, starting with a 75-minute block and working your way back to 60, 45, and 30. Remember, none of these rules are hard and fast; you can make changes to suit your needs and personal preferences. If you’re someone who isn’t overwhelmed and has the ability to commit to a long-term job, this structure may suit you, since the promise of shorter and shorter work sessions can itself be perceived as its own motivator.