Having recently read about the Pomodoro Technique, a timer-based task management style that is said to be useful for ‘training your brain away from distractions‘. I wanted to try it out – to do so I needed a timer tool.
Thankfully, I had to look no further than my favourite Ubuntu dock app, Docky.
Docky added a Timer docklet to it’s development branch a couple of weeks ago (PPA here). I have mainly been using this to keep track of basic tasks, like how long long my veggie sausages have been in the oven etc.
But after stumbling across the Pomodoro technique (which I’ll explain more in a moment), I realised that this terrific timer docklet could be used for intellectually satiating needs, like improving my productivity!
What is the Pomodoro technique all about then?
The Pomodoro technique is a disciplined method of focus-based working in which you work in 25 minute periods, with a 5 minute break in between. The idea is consistency rather than perfection, as it trains your attentions and hones your focus.
Most of us can’t track time internally that well, and if we try, we’re taking focus away from what we’re trying to do. This is why those who practise the Pomodoro technique use a timer. You can set and (ideally) forget until the timer ends and you take a break.
It’s suggested that after every four “pomodoros”, task-ees take a longer break of around 15-20 minutes
Those breaks don’t have to be going outside, but we all know that standing up and moving for a few minutes at least once an hour is beneficial for our bodies and our minds and our hunger (if you head to the snack cupboard, like me).
It works like this:
- Choose a task
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Work on that task until the timer goes off
- Take a 5 minute break
- Repeat
Sound good?
Configure Docky timer for Pomodoro
To use Docky’s timer for Pomodoro time tracking, first add the timer docklet to the dock. The set a timer for 25 minutes, and work. The idea is to focus, not constantly check how much time is less. Clocking watching adds pressure, and pressure can scatter focus.
- Hover over the Timer docklet icon and use the mouse scroll wheel to set a timer for 25 minutes (You can use the CTRL to adjust hours and shift to adjust?minutes.)
- Once you have set 25 minutes click on the timer icon to spawn the timer
- When prepped click on the new timer to start the countdown.