Hey there, reader! I’ve got a story to tell you about how I, a procrastinating INTP software engineer, turned my life around using the Pomodoro Technique and meditation.. For those of you who are not familiar with the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, INTP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. Basically, I’m a master procrastinator who loves to overthink everything.
Okay, let’s cut to the chase. You want to know how I finally broke free from my procrastination hell as a software engineer student with an INTP personality, right? Well, let me tell you, it was a wild ride. And it all started with one simple thing: the Pomodoro Technique.
I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Ugh, not another productivity hack.” But hear me out, because this one actually worked. And I’m not just saying that because I’m trying to sound like a self-help guru. I’m saying it because it’s true. Believe it or not, using the Pomodoro Technique for just 90 days changed my life in ways I never thought possible.
But before I get into the details of my journey, let’s take a step back and talk about why procrastination is such a pain in the butt for INTPs like myself. We’re notorious for being perfectionists who get easily distracted by our own thoughts. We have so many ideas running through our heads that it’s hard to focus on just one thing at a time. And that, my friends, is a recipe for disaster when it comes to getting things done.
That’s where the Pomodoro Technique came in. If you’re not familiar with it, the basic idea is to break your work into 25-minute intervals, called “Pomodoros,” with short breaks in between. It’s a simple concept, but it’s surprisingly effective. And the best part is, you can customize it to fit your own needs.
So, I decided to give it a shot. For the first week, I stuck to the traditional 25/5 Pomodoro cycle. And let me tell you, it was tough. I’m used to zoning out for hours on end, so having to focus for just 25 minutes at a time was a real challenge. But I stuck with it, and by the end of the week, I noticed something strange happening. I was actually getting more done in less time.
But I didn’t stop there. I decided to experiment with different intervals to see what worked best for me. Sometimes I would do 50/10, other times 30/5. And you know what? It didn’t matter what interval I used. The fact that I was breaking my work into smaller chunks made all the difference. I was no longer overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do. I just had to focus on one Pomodoro at a time.
Of course, I had my ups and downs. Some days I was in the zone, knocking out Pomodoros left and right. Other days, I struggled to even start one. But that’s the beauty of the Pomodoro Technique. Even on those tough days, I knew I just had to push through one 25-minute interval. And more often than not, once I got started, the rest came much easier.
Week 1 – Starting off Strong
Okay, I’ll admit it, I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about the Pomodoro Technique. I mean, come on, working for 25 minutes and then taking a break? How is that supposed to make me more productive? But hey, when you’re a procrastinator, you’ll try anything to get your act together.
And you know what? It worked! For the first week, I committed to using the Pomodoro Technique for at least four hours a day. And let me tell you, I got stuff done. By breaking down my work into 25-minute chunks, I was able to stay focused and avoid distractions. Plus, taking breaks helped me avoid burnout and stay refreshed throughout the day.
Week 2 – Making it a Habit
After seeing some success with the Pomodoro Technique during the first week, I decided to make it a more permanent part of my routine. I started planning my day around Pomodoro cycles and found that it was a great way to stay organized and on task.
I mean, who needs a planner when you’ve got a Pomodoro timer? And let’s be real, taking a break every 25 minutes is a great excuse to check your phone, grab a snack, or just chill out for a bit.
Week 3 – Seeing Progress
As a chronic procrastinator, I often struggle to see progress in my work. But using the Pomodoro Technique allowed me to see tangible progress on a daily basis. I started tracking my work using a spreadsheet (yeah, I’m a nerd like that) and found that I was able to complete more tasks in a shorter amount of time.
Plus, breaking down my work into smaller, more manageable chunks allowed me to focus more deeply on each task and produce better results. I mean, who knew that working in shorter bursts could make such a difference?
Week 4 – Zen and the Art of Pomodoro
So, as an INTP, I tend to get lost in my thoughts and often struggle with staying present in the moment. I had heard that meditation could help with focus and decided to try combining it with the Pomodoro Technique.
At first, I was skeptical. I mean, sitting still for 10 minutes and focusing on my breath sounded like torture. But you know what? It actually helped! Starting each day with a 10-minute meditation session helped me stay more present and focused throughout the day.
Plus, it made me feel like a zen master. Yeah, I know, I’m a software engineer, not a yogi, but hey, it worked.
Week 5 – Mixing it Up
By the fifth week, the Pomodoro Technique had become an integral part of my daily routine. But I found that I was becoming complacent and needed to mix things up to keep myself motivated.
So, I started experimenting with different work cycles, including longer cycles of 50 minutes followed by a 10-minute break. And let me tell you, that extra 25 minutes made a huge difference. Plus, using a Pomodoro timer app helped me stay accountable and avoid distractions (except for that one time when I accidentally opened up TikTok during my break… oops).
Week 6 – A Zen Procrastinator
After six weeks of using the Pomodoro Technique, I was feeling like a new person. I was more productive
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: meditation. Yes, I know it’s trendy and all the cool kids are doing it. But there’s a reason for that. Meditation is a powerful tool for clearing your mind and increasing focus. And when you pair it with the Pomodoro Technique, it’s a game-changer.
I started meditating for just five minutes before each Pomodoro session. And let me tell you, it made a world of difference. I was able to quiet my racing thoughts and approach each interval with a clear head. It was like I had a superpower that allowed me to cut through distractions like a hot knife through butter.
Week 7 – Staying Motivated
As someone who struggles with motivation, I found that the Pomodoro Technique was a great way to stay motivated and on track. By breaking my work into smaller, more manageable chunks, I was able to build momentum and keep my focus on the task at hand.
And let’s be real, taking a break every 25 minutes was a great motivator too. It gave me something to look forward to and helped me stay energized throughout the day.
Week 8 – Making Adjustments
By the eighth week, I had hit a bit of a plateau in my productivity. I was still using the Pomodoro Technique, but I found that I was getting distracted more easily and having a harder time staying focused.
So, I decided to make some adjustments to my routine. I experimented with different work environments, including working in a coffee shop or taking my work outside. I also started using noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions.
And you know what? It worked! By making these adjustments, I was able to re-energize my productivity and get back on track.
Week 9 – Finding Balance
As much as I loved the Pomodoro Technique, I found that I was starting to feel a bit burned out. I was working for long stretches of time without taking enough breaks, which was starting to take a toll on my mental health.
So, I started focusing on finding a balance between work and rest. I made sure to take breaks regularly, and I started incorporating more self-care activities into my routine, like going for a walk or practicing yoga.
And you know what? It made a huge difference. By taking care of myself and finding balance, I was able to be more productive and focused during my work hours.
Week 10 – Going Pro
By the tenth week, I was a Pomodoro pro. I had been using the technique for over two months, and it had become an integral part of my daily routine.
I was able to complete more work in less time, stay focused and energized throughout the day, and avoid the burnout that had plagued me in the past.
And let me tell you, as a chronic procrastinator, there’s no better feeling than actually getting stuff done.
Week 11-14: The Pomodoro Technique as a Lifestyle
As I entered week 11 and beyond, I realized that the Pomodoro Technique had become more than just a time management tool. It had become a lifestyle.
I started using the technique not just for work, but for other areas of my life too. I used it to study for exams, clean my apartment, and even work on personal projects.
All in all, I stuck with the Pomodoro Technique for 90 days, more focused, and dare I say it, more zen. I had developed a habit of breaking down my work into manageable chunks and taking breaks to avoid burnout. And, I had even started incorporating meditation into my daily routine.
But most importantly, I had seen real progress in my work. I had completed more tasks in less time, produced better results, and felt more satisfied with my work. And as a chronic procrastinator, that was a big deal.
In conclusion, the Pomodoro Technique has been a game-changer for me. It’s helped me be more productive, stay focused, and avoid burnout. And best of all, it’s allowed me to actually get stuff done.