Timeboxing vs. Time Blocking vs. Pomodoro…

I have tried all three methods, and in this article, I will spell out their differences and similarities, as well as why Timeboxing has been my weapon of choice since 2010.

By the end of this article, you’ll know the exact difference between Timeboxing, Time Blocking, and the Pomodoro Technique. 

You’ll also understand how they work so you can apply them in your daily routine.

Let’s get started!

Pomodoro Explained 🍅

I will start with the Pomodoro Technique, as this is how I was first introduced to the concept of timing myself while I worked.

The basic premise of the Pomodoro Technique is to improve productivity and focus by breaking work into short, timed intervals called “Pomodoros” (from the Italian word for “tomato”).

Pomodoros are traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.

How To Apply The Pomodoro Technique

1. Choose a task you want to work on.

2. Set a timer for 25 minutes, the standard length of a Pomodoro.

3. Start the timer and work on the task until the timer rings. During this time, you focus solely on the task, avoiding all distractions.

4. Take a short break after you complete the work session–typically 5 minutes. This helps to clear your mind and prepare for the next Pomodoro.

5. Repeat: After four Pomodoro sessions, you take a longer break, around 15 to 30 minutes, to recharge.

Why I Don’t Prefer The Pomodoro Technique

Setting a timer for my breaks left me feeling anxious.

You see, timing yourself during your work session is mentally taxing enough, and I quickly realized that I couldn’t truly relax during my timed breaks.

During “breaks”, I was always on edge, knowing that the timer could go off any second, and then I’d have to get back to work immediately, whether I felt ready or not.

The second concept I dislike about the Pomodoro Technique is that it encourages fixed “25-minute” working sessions.

This meant that if I was using Pomodoro software, it typically wouldn’t let me change the timer length.

Time Blocking 101 📅

The fundamental idea behind time blocking is to divide your day into blocks of time where each block is dedicated to accomplishing a specific task or group of tasks. 

This helps you manage your time more efficiently and stay focused on what you need to do.

How To Apply Time Blocking

1. List and Prioritize Tasks: Write down everything you need to do, then decide which tasks are most important.

2. Estimate Time: Figure out how long each task will take.

3. Schedule Blocks: Assign each task to a specific time block during your day.

   E.g., you might block 9 AM to 10 AM for answering emails and 10 AM to 12 PM for working on a project.

4. Work and Rest: Focus on each task during its time block and take short breaks in between to stay fresh.

5. Review and Adjust: At the end of the day, see how well your time blocks worked and make changes for next time.

Why I Don’t Prefer Time Blocking

Schedules suck.

Let’s be honest, something always comes up. 

And when it does, your whole day is thrown out of sync, and you have to go back to your precious planner to adjust your other time blocks.

Additionally, Time Blocking does not incorporate tracking your work sessions, which means multitasking and unproductivity are more likely to occur.

In my experience, following strict schedules often results in increased stress…

And stress is the exact opposite of what we aim for when trying to enhance our productivity.

Timeboxing: My Top Pick Since 2010🏆

In Timeboxing, the goal is to allocate a fixed, specific amount of time to each task ahead of time. Then, you use a timer to make sure you stick to that time. 

For example, you may set four timeboxes for your day, of varying lengths.

It could look like this:

• Read: 15 minutes
• Write Book: 30 minutes
• Edit Video: 25 minutes

How To Apply Timeboxing:

1. Assign a time duration for the task you intend to tackle (e.g., 30 mins)

2. Start a timer and give your full focus to the task during that window

3. Conclude your work once the timer rings, and either start a new task with a fresh timer or take a break to recharge

Why I Love Timeboxing

✅ No schedules. I know ahead of time how many timers I need to complete and I get to choose at what time it happens.

✅ Promotes Focus & Flexibility. Like the Pomodoro Technique, it promotes full-focus work sessions.

In other words, it renders multitasking obsolete.

But unlike the Pomodoro Technique, which is fixed to 25-minute timers, Timeboxing gives you the freedom to experiment with timer lengths.

✅ The top reason I love timeboxing is its ability to make me feel productive nearly all the time.

Timeboxing not only holds me accountable but also provides a clear target to strive for. 

For example, if I log fewer than 20 hours per week, I immediately know something’s off. 

This knowledge pushes me because I really dislike falling short of my potential. 

As a result, it’s rare for me to log less than 20 hours per week.

Why 20 hours?

For one, research based on the bestselling book Deep Work has shown that our ability to focus starts to waver around the 4-hour mark.

But research aside, through my personal trial and error, I can verify that 20 hours is the sweet spot for maximum productivity without burnout.

By the way, I rely on FocusMaster.app to keep track of my work sessions.

It’s a tool I originally created for my own use, but I’ve since decided to make it available to everyone.

I’m really excited for you to give it a try!

Summary 

Timeboxing vs. Time Blocking vs. Pomodoro… 

Navigating through these methods can seem daunting at first. 

However, I hope this guide has shown you the distinct features of each method, giving you the knowledge to pick the one that aligns best with your workflow. 

Now, armed with this knowledge, which of the three time management strategies resonates most with you?

Let me know by leaving a comment below! 👇

In love and service,

Gabriel Aguiñaga
The Productivity Guy^©

P.S. Want to know more about Timeboxing? Don’t miss this article.