Vincere
Free tool · focus
Pomodoro timer
25 minutes on one thing, then a break. Press Start (or Space) and let the timer handle the switching.
How the Pomodoro Technique works
The Pomodoro Technique, created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, breaks work into focused blocks with short breaks between them. The classic version is 25 minutes of focus, a 5-minute break, and a longer 15–30 minute break after every four sessions. This timer does the switching for you and chimes at the end of each block.
How to get the most from it
- Pick one task before you start. Write it down. If something else comes to mind, note it and come back to it in the break.
- Protect the block. Phone in another room, notifications off. The point is to never switch tasks mid-session.
- Actually take the break. Stand up and look at something far away. Skipping breaks is how focus collapses by the afternoon.
- Adjust the length. 25 minutes suits most people starting out. If you keep getting into flow, try 45 or 60.
Why it helps with procrastination
A huge task is easy to avoid; 25 minutes isn't. Committing to one short block lowers the cost of starting, and starting is usually the hardest part. Counting finished sessions also gives you something concrete to show for the day, even when the task itself isn't done.
Questions
How long is a Pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions you take a longer break of 15–30 minutes.
Does the timer keep running in another tab?
Yes. It's based on the clock rather than counting ticks, so it stays accurate in a background tab, and the tab title shows the time left. It chimes when a block ends.
Is 25 minutes the best length?
It's a good starting point, not a rule. Use 15 minutes for tasks you're dreading and 45–60 minutes for deep work you're already into.
Can I do Pomodoros with a friend?
Working at the same time as someone else, even remotely, makes it easier to start and harder to quit. In Vincere you can share a task and see when your friend finishes theirs.
Habits stick when someone's in it with you. Vincere lets you share a habit or task with a friend and see who showed up today. Free on iPhone.
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