Ever tried the Pomodoro technique and thought, "Why is this making me more anxious instead of more productive?"
For those unfamiliar, here's how it works: set a timer for 25 minutes, do focused work, then take a mandatory five-minute break when the timer goes off. After four rounds, you take a longer 15-30 minute break. Rinse and repeat.
I see a lot of people in the productivity space swearing this works for everyone. But here's the truth: it doesn't. And if it's not working for you, it's not because you're doing it wrong.
When Pomodoro works well
Some people in the ADHD community find it incredibly helpful. Knowing a break is coming can quiet the distraction noise.
It's also great if you get overwhelmed by big projects. Instead of "this is going to take forever," you tell yourself "I'm just going to work for 25 minutes." Way more doable.
If you're trying to build your focus muscle, Pomodoro can help. Most people only need it for about a month.
Finally, it works brilliantly when you're working against resistance. That task you really don't want to do? Telling yourself you only have to do it for 25 minutes makes it easier to start.
When Pomodoro will drive you crazy
If you thrive in deep work or flow state, that timer going off every 25 minutes is incredibly disruptive.
I almost never see this work for creatives. Writers, artists, musicians. That timer is jarring when you need brainstorming space.
If you already run anxious, timers can really elevate that. Your nervous system will be jacked up the entire time.
And if you're a perfectionist who needs to do systems exactly right, you'll spend so much mental energy on the technique itself that you'll miss the actual work.
So do I use it?
Nope.
I've tried the Pomodoro technique at different stages of my life, and it has never worked for me. Occasionally, I'll set a timer when I'm working against resistance, like cleaning, just to see how much I can get done. But when that timer goes off, if I'm in it, I'm not taking the break.
I'm a time management expert with years of experience, and I personally can't use this method. But I know plenty of highly productive people who operate in Pomodoro mode all day, and they love it.
The bottom line?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to productivity systems. If someone's telling you a technique works for everyone, question that.
If you haven't tried Pomodoro, give it a shot. And if it doesn't work? You might just be one of those people it's not a good fit for.
So tell me: are you pro-Pomodoro, or is this not a tool for you?
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How to Handle Tasks That Pop Up Mid-Week
You've planned your week perfectly, and then boom, new stuff lands in your inbox that needs to happen this week. Sound familiar?
This week's buzz tackles exactly how to handle those pop-up tasks without throwing your entire plan out the window. I'm breaking down my two-part approach for dealing with quick tasks versus ones that need real time, plus explaining a concept I teach inside The TOP Program called planning for uncertainty that changes everything about how you absorb the unexpected.
If you've been struggling to figure out where new tasks fit when they show up mid-week, this video gives you the exact framework to handle them.
Remember, this video is updated every Wednesday, so don’t miss it! Head to The Pink Bee app to watch now.
Friend, don’t forget—just 15 minutes of planning today can set the tone for your entire week. You’ve got the tools, you’ve got the tips, and now it’s time to take action. Let’s crush this week together!
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