Success Isn’t Generic. When One Tool Doesn’t Work, Find One Unique to You

Every brain works differently even if you aren’t neurodivergent. The Pomodoro Technique is one alternative to deep work. 

Do you ever get super into one obsession for hours? Do you get so into a project that you end up spending the whole day on it? You look up and hours have passed by.

Worst yet, maybe you can’t get yourself to even start a project because it feels too overwhelming.

I thought these things happened to everyone. Turns out they are all symptoms of ADHD (as well as other neurodivergent diagnoses).

Hyperfixation and time blindness often happen together. Being hyper-fixated on one subject, hobby, or interest, makes it easy to lose all track of time.

ADHD paralysis is also known as executive dysfunction or task paralysis. It makes it difficult to start, stay focused, or finish a task because of anxiety, stress, or mental exhaustion.

I spent a lot of time trying to implement deep work strategies. But I would either spend all day on one project and forget the others. Or feel like I didn’t know where to start and would scroll all day or clean the house. Anything but what I needed to do.

My therapist suggested The Pomodoro Technique. It has solved all these problems for me!!

The Pomodoro Technique splits your day into increments. Using a timer, you work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After about 4 sets, 2 hours, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes.

When I plan my day I create a list of long activities and short ones.

I work on a bigger project for 25 minutes. Then something small like playing with my cat, starting laundry, or cleaning for 5.

I don’t necessarily need a break for those 5 minutes but I love getting up to do something else. I always take 15-minute breaks every couple of hours though.

I have been using this method for a few months and I don’t know how I got things done before.

Obviously, this helps with time-blindness but it also helps with the paralysis. I know I only have to work on it for 25 minutes which removes the overwhelming feelings.

Just because a technique works for one person, doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. Some of us have to create different strategies to take on the day.

If you have ADHD, struggle with hyperfixation, timeblindness, and/or task paralysis. Or maybe deep work just doesn’t work for you, give The Pomodoro Tech a try. It could be the key to unlocking your productivity!