This straightforward time management technique can help you stay focused and cross everything off your to-do list.

Enter: The Pomodoro Technique.

Cirillo first developed this system as a university student trying to get more done in less time.

Woman holding a clock timer

Photo: Getty Images

When time’s up, take a five-minute break before starting another 25-minute session.

use it to your advantage in other creative and effective ways.

Trying to finish a book club book before the meeting this week?

Set that timer and get ready to turn pages.

Or maybe you moved homes and have to unpack a mountain of boxes.

Whip out a timer and get to work.

Doing things in short, but intense burstscoupled with rewarding microbreaksmakes any task more manageable.