I found out that it takes ages before I start working on something.

I would start at a blank page or at a Project Schedule and just do nothing.

The complexity of a project is the main reason we procrastinate. We just feel so overwhelmed that we can't get to start. The end is not in sight and that just frustrates us.

The Pomodoro method is a simple method that helps us start. I am aware that many of you heard about this technique before.

But how many of you really use it?

Step 1: Start a timer for 25 minutes and block all distractions

Begin work and don't think about the end goal. Just make sure you put in 25 minutes of work. Put your headphones on and your phone on airplane mode.

Francisco Cirillo, the inventor of the technique, used a Tomato-shaped kitchen timer, hence the name of the technique (Pomodoro is Italian for tomato). Of course, there are specific apps today or you can use the timer on your phone.

Step 2: Take a 5-minute break

After 25 minutes, take a short break. Get up, stretch, get yourself a glass of water, or check your Instagram feed. This break is your reward and you should treat it as such.

Step 3: Repeat and take a longer break after 4 intervals

After 4 intervals, take a break of 15-30 minutes. And that's a full cycle.

Even if you get one cycle per day, that's almost 2 hours of uninterrupted work.

I can promise you, that's more than 90% of people do on their important goals.

Why is this technique helpful?

• Instant Gratification: you are rewarded with a break every 25 minutes

• Parkinson's Law: setting a short deadline forces us to finish something quicker

• Gamification: setting a goal of X Pomodoros per day will seem like a game you want to win

The Pomodoro technique is one of those things everyone has heard of but almost no one uses. Start using it and I promise you won't regret it.