Outwork your Competition

Ever feel like your workday slips away? 

Hours spent, little done?

Here’s the fix: short bursts of unstoppable focus.

It’s called the Pomodoro Technique.

Inspired by a simple kitchen timer (yes, shaped like a tomato), this method has revolutionised how millions tackle their day.

And it can do the same for you.

The Problem:

Distractions are everywhere—your phone lights up, emails pile in, and meetings fracture your focus.

By the end of the day, your most important work is still untouched.

We’re told to grind harder, but the truth is your brain needs rhythm, not pressure.

The Method:

Here’s how to reclaim your focus:

Work without interruption. No switching, no scrolling.

After 4 cycles, take a longer break of 30 minutes.

A cycle so simple, yet so effective.

And if you want a little extra motivation?

Apps like Forest turn each Pomodoro into a virtual tree that grows as you stay focused. If you leave your task (and pick up your phone), the tree withers. Over time, you cultivate an entire forest, a visual reminder of your focus and progress.

Then the next session you can compare how focused you were and aim to reach that old or surpass it!

The Science:

Why does it work?

Focus thrives in sprints.

Your brain can sustain deep concentration but only for short periods. It does this far better than trying to focus for long stretches.

It breaks fuel performance. Stepping away resets your mental stamina, keeping you sharp.

A ticking timer builds urgency. That small deadline sparks action and silences procrastination.

ne standout study published in Cognition (2011) by Ariga and Lleras found that brief mental breaks help maintain focus over long tasks. When we push through without pauses, performance drops. But a short break? It refreshes your mind, keeping productivity high.

My Experience:

When I brought Pomodoro into my routine, the results were instant. I had begun using it during university, where I had long assignments that required sustained focus.

And I wasn’t drained by the end of the day.

This isn’t just about working more…it’s about working smarter. It's about completing the whole task not just being productive for one day and burning out tomorrow.

Try It Today:

Forget about powering through. It's not about pretending you can focus forever, it's knowing you can focus for 25 minutes and then you have a 5 minute break at the end of that cycle.

Set the timer. Pick one task. Start.

Let the tomato (or the tree) work its magic.

Until next time,

Aftab Bismi

Helping you level up one habit at a time.