Time Management: Debunking one of the most well-known techniques, for getting s*i* done!

So I spent a large part of last week, learning about 'The Pomodoro Technique', which is a productivy tool based on balancing periods of focus, with deliberate breaks.

In principle, I do like the idea of the Pomodoro Technique. However, I feel at the same time, that this formula is directly at odds with the idea of ‘creative flow.’

Of being ‘in the zone,’ or ‘on a roll’, so to speak.

When I’m immersed in a task, I can easily find myself getting so lost in the activity that I lose all track of time. From this stance, setting an alarm for 25 minutes would, I fear, be counterintuitive to the productivity that this technique it is intended to cultivate.

For this reason, I’m deducing that maybe the Pomodoro Technique is most useful in to-do-list contexts that are non-creative, or practical. Like studying, revision or doing chores, where ‘creative flow’ is less likely to be in play. 

My only other gripe with this technique, is that its efficacy does rather seem to depend on having a clear stretch of time in which to implement the 25–5-25-5-and-so-on formula.  

It’s a bit of an ‘if only’ scenario for me (and many others), as the demands of parenthood/ work mean there’s limited scope for this becoming a blueprint, and the boundaries between ‘focused work’ and ‘breaks’ are distinctly slacken.

As well, I often find periods of ‘focus’ are abbreviated by necessity, not choice, and are always punctuated by pauses (‘Pomodoros’) which look a lot less like ‘rest,’ and more like…’other tasks.’

A lot less like ‘breaks’, and a lot more like interruptions (the need to load the dishwasher, or go on the school run).

There is a chance that this makes them not quite as purposeful - or powerful - as a ‘proper’ Pomodoro. 

However, just the possibility that my life’s inconveniences might be ‘productivity boosters’ in disguise, does present a rather nice excuse for reframing obstacles to concentration, focus and productivity….as something more positive. 

Something, maybe, which might actually have aggregate gains for all that it seems to hamper… ‘progress’, growth and even success included!