Does Pomodoro actually work for flow? (thanks Huberman)

I've been using the Pomodoro Method for years. It was a productivity tool that helped me focus without distractions. And it worked out great...until it didn't. It simply wasn't dynamic enough for, well, life.
Welcome to Progressive Pomodoro (Progressive Pomo).
I just had this feeling that it could be improved upon. So I experimented and discovered a new way to Pomo that's ultra reliable at building focus. And it's been nothing but clutch for me through the throws of an unpredictable life.
Andrew Huberman's podcast episode, Focus Toolkit: Tools to Improve Your Focus & Concentration | Huberman Lab Podcast #88:
• Focus Toolkit: Tools t...

[@MichaelRapadas]

How do you get into flow?

[@mateo3021]

Its great to associate an object to your study/work habit. I drink mate, an Argentinian drink everytime I study! When i make my mate, i know i have to focus.

[@MichaelRapadas]

@@mateo3021 Mate is solid. I tried it for a few weeks, but I ended up switching back to coffee. Though, I’ll give it another go. Since you drink Mate regularly, do you experience any stimulation/energy? Or is it more of a ritual.

[@sujankaku6406]

Buy a super expensive nootropic, so now u have to commit to work if u want to reap it's benefits😢

[@keneticchannel]

The 5-Second Rule, as espoused by Mel Robbins. When you feel stuck, you sit and count back from 5. 5-4-3-2-1...and then treat that like a "blast off." It's a simple yet effective method to shift from thinking to doing.

[@unduloid]

I have all of these colorful pills...

[@LaserrSharp]

I just schedule a long work block, say 3 hours. Within those three hours I just alternate between work and rest. For example, I start working and as soon as I notice myself losing focus, I stop and rest. My rest is hydrating myself or getting a small snack, and either laying on the floor doing nothing, or walking around doing nothing. I don’t check my phone or use other stimulus. The point of the break is rest, not stimulation. And doing it this way takes the guess work out. You simply take your break when you feel you’re losing focus.

[@confusedredditor1660]

smart

[@davidnabeiro6703]

Exactly what I do, to the teeth. Nothing works better than that, for several reasons

[@4arth]

100% This is what successful people do.

[@MarijaDrascek]

This changed my studying for the better! Thank you for making this video! 🙏💪

[@Lifewithnimi998]

Thank You for this, this makes so much sense, definitely going to try this out!

[@orion6761]

This is the most helpful protocol of this type. It's an amazing video, thank you.

[@rickpala_]

How do you only have 200 subs?? This content is gold!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Made my day. Really needed this 🙏🏼

[@rickpala_]

@@MichaelRapadas I'm currently learning how to build iOS apps, and this video is the inspiration for my first-ever app. Seriously. Would you be okay if I made it with my own spin on it?

[@MichaelRapadas]

LGTM. :) Also, I'd love to help you beta test.

[@AflexMalek]

Nah for real keep up the great work man!

[@jonjonEZmusic]

I was thinking the same I want to edit like him!

[@fights1397]

Great video, really good adaptation. You deserve more views. I already know this will really help my productivity. WIll watch all of your other vids.

[@mohsinfarhat7385]

To be honest, I saw the number of views and was about to skip. But then I decided to keep on watching. This is one of the best videos I've watched. I was doing the pomodoro technique using the 25/5 method for a total of 5 sessions. But you're absolutely right, it causes us to dip out of flow just as soon as we're getting into it. By implementing your progressive method of pomodoro, I was able to study for two sessions of 90 minutes each, totaling too about 3 hours. A huge improvement in focus and productivity was observed. Thanks man!

[@MichaelRapadas]

This comment really made my day. Thanks for giving this a real shot and playing the upside.

[@AlbelDarc]

Yo this is amazing, can’t believe this is the first time I see you. Thanks man!

[@LoreMIpsum-vs6dx]

I can't wait to try this. Thank you!

[@JoelSnape1]

Really liked this, man! Clearly explained, nicely edited, interesting ideas. Looking forward to seeing what you do next.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@advaitwankhede6710]

Thank you so much for the informative man👍👍👍👍Keep growing

[@adrianaguadalupegomezhinoj5752]

Hey Mike! Thank you so much for sharing this content, it's been life changing to me! For years and years of practicing OG Pomos I could not get into focus, and I felt like there was something wrong with me because of my lack of concentration. I searched for a workaround to it, and Progressive Pomos have been so far so great for my study sessions! Please make more content, I'll be pleased to watch more of your videos!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Nothings wrong with you! Good on you for hunting for the method that fits your setup.

[@Orlengos]

Solid video, Mike! Editing is top notch and the content is super useful, will definitely try to implement

[@MichaelRapadas]

Let me know how it lands for you. I'm curious to find out if it's as effective for everyone else.

[@humblesolutions]

Excellent ideas and very practical too. Thanks.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Give it a go!

[@andreruppel]

Great video, great cuts thank you for it !

[@alytrushkov2259]

Great Vid Mike. Thank you!👍

[@ahmedelasli6422]

Bro i really loved the video and the edit, keep going

[@luissansegundo5095]

what a great video, in every aspect... love the groovy flow music

[@shrirambalaji2915]

Great video man, Thank you.

[@prashanth6277]

Ur content is gold bro, and ur sense of humour and editing is too good to go unnoticed.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Really needed to hear this! Thanks.

[@user-ep4go8dz7b]

Wow. It's really cool to implement science-based tools in your everyday life. Keep going, your content deserves more than 200 subs. Adore Huberman)))

[@MichaelRapadas]

Can't get enough Huberman. So many protocols to try!

[@chandreshjohnson9912]

Thanks! I got value out of this video. Loved the progressive Pomodoro technique. Keep up the good work!

[@ashishsahu242]

loved the way u explain with a bit humour when u are understanding something and a funny things pop up it helps me to remember it more , nice MIKE

[@MichaelRapadas]

:)

[@MeHeartBooks]

Quite frankly, I don't know how you have so few views! As someone who has been trying to get the Pomodoro techinque to work for years, this is revolutionary. Keep up the amazing content.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks. I'd love to know how it integrates for you.

[@MeHeartBooks]

@@MichaelRapadas I'm an aspiring author with a chronic condition that causes my energy to fluctuate; I also have ASD. There is a lot of trauma associated with this. People would say, ' Everyone else has to do this too,' and 'your disability is not an excuse.' These interactions left me feeling like I had to push through things, which caused burnout. This technique allows me to listen to my body and still 'follow the rules', which my ASD appreciates too, lol.

[@WhitneyChew]

Very thoughtful reflection on the limitations of OG pomo. I've tried it time and time again, but it never seemed to stick. Thanks for figuring out why and coming up with a better alternative! If you're flowing, keep on going!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Lost opportunity: “If you’re flowing, keep on going” is so much better.

[@mohamadhoseinghatrenabi5601]

Man, this was awesome. You made me a fan. You put your finger on all the problems I had with OG Pomo. I am gonna try the progressive pomo. I think it might take a few days to get used to.

[@MichaelRapadas]

How did it work/not work for you?

[@ishmamtasin7537]

Thanks. This one was on point. I have been experimenting with pomodoro recently and came to similar conclusion.

[@MichaelRapadas]

I think everyone ends up making Pomodoro work for them in one way or another. At least, I hope that's the case.

[@EpicFinance]

I love your technique of getting into flow. I've been using the Pomodoro technique for 18 months... I started out using the 25/5 timeframe, but have iterated over time. Currently, i do 6-10 sets of 45/15. This works great for me. I use the first few 15 minute breaks to exercise, and the last few to rest my eyes, or veg on my phone. I get more done taking a 15 min break every hour than I used to get done taking no breaks at all. Game changing.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks for sharing what's working for you. That's what it's all about.

[@matheuskonstantinidis5528]

Excellent video Mike!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks Matheus!

[@rjsdjvh1]

Highly motivating and actually helpful! THX!

[@Mazin027]

I like this approach, and the best quote form your video "We are not machines", that's pretty true. I wish if this idea be implemented in a mobile app or something like that, that would be great. Thank you for this information. Love from Sudan

[@dsa4520]

Bro Bro Bro....keep up doing the good work. I don't know why your channel isn't growing, but the contents you post are awesome. Don't stop posting them ❤️

[@IneffableMinds]

I'm going to try this thank you.

[@akhileshhh]

This is so insightful damn. Keep making content like this

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks Akhilesh!

[@munifsaza]

Great video. Enjoyed this

[@hecalledmelala]

Thank you, Mike ! I was planning to start using Pomodoro, but I will use your method instead. It seems so logical and like more tolerant towards our feelings and energy. I love the progressive side of it.

[@user-ps9yu4ld4o]

Everything about this video (from Content to Editing) is AWESOME! Deserves much more views bruh!!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Otw

[@vaishnavaaguide]

Good Content. I've been using this for a while without giving it a name, Progressive Pomo is a nice name for it. The struggle for me is I don't use it everyday, I forget about this technique and I just push around my work, it does work when I use it, I should try an alarm for remembering technique or something else. This video helped me realise that, Thanks

[@sachinelearning]

Superb!! THIS is exactly the reason why I have not used Pomodoro in the past. I would take way longer to get into focus and every break would induce a context switch. 💯💯💯💯💯

[@MichaelRapadas]

Agreed, especially on the context switching. Even if our schedules fall into 30 min increments, life doesn't fall precisely into those boxes. Things come up. Life is dynamic.

[@dhruvmehta2377]

thank you very much bro keep on making videos like this

[@BoReads]

I tried this your way and I cranked out 1,541 words of my book today when my old average was 300 words. This works so good I can't thank you enough for sharing this method. I am feeling in the flow right now. I'm very proud of what I've done. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Hell yeah. It's all because you showed up and bet on yourself. You deserve to feel proud.

[@SafiyahAMZ]

Thanks for this. Good info

[@TBGsmackin]

The video quality is insanely Good and content!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks!

[@rashedulalam8492]

Hey Michael! 🌟 Thanks for this awesome content. 🙌 I used to think something was wrong with me when Pomodoro didn't always work. 😅 But you're so right, it's about finding the right timing for each task and energy level. 🕒⚡ Your insights have been eye-opening! 🤩 Now, I feel more empowered to adapt the technique to suit my needs. 👍 Keep up the fantastic work! 🙏💪 10:03 10:03

[@mateo3021]

In spite of the video content, you have made an amazing video production, very satisfying to see! Congrats

[@MichaelRapadas]

Much appreciated

[@mateo3021]

Similar to Atomic Habits method, start small and everyday

[@maxflinter6896]

This is literally gold! Thanks for introducing the idea of progressive pomo to me. Subscribed immediately. What timer did you use in the video that included the options distracted etc.?

[@Extrode]

Extremely helpful!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Glad you think so!

[@lucifermorning9383]

I like this Good work man😁

[@yashharivanshi]

Bro!!! This video is fire 🔥🔥🔥

[@glitch8445]

Thanks a lot , this content really deserves a lot more views and subscribers , I did not even realize how low subscribers and views the video had until I saw a comment . Really high quality content keep it up .

[@sebastiangomez9354]

This technique seems very good to me, and I have tried and tested many with myself. This one makes so much sense in so many ways that I can't even explain. Sorry if I sound strange, English is my second language.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Give it a try!

[@NoAimNoGain]

Good stuff, Mike! I think I'm gonna test it out and see how it goes🤞

[@MichaelRapadas]

Lemme know!

[@msamedic]

Agreed. Thanks for the ✨progressive✨ pomodoro method!

[@MichaelRapadas]

⚡️progressive⚡️pomo to the rescue.

[@guubrick]

Very good video. I have own tweaked pomodoro technique. When that alarm goes off and I'm in a flow, I keep going until that flow loses steam. THEN I go on break. It's why I actually do 20*-10, with the asterisk of course referring to givng myself a minimum of 20 minutes to progress into work flow. Worse comes to worst, I make adjustments to not just to the technique, but my positioning and surroundings. The trick is not to rely solely on pomodoro or any variation of it. There are other factors as well. Anyways, your technique is still very interesting and might implement it. Thanks for the insightful video!

[@tegaduruji1585]

I'm Grace, from Nigeria, thank you so much. I really found this helpful and easy to understand. Love you soooo much.

[@AbhiKopecky]

Brother I appreciate you greatly

[@laughylau]

Great to hear this! I thought it meant I wasn't disciplined enough to take the breaks, when I now realize I was in a flow state and wanted to keep going.

[@mayharmon6948]

In fairness, I have not heard the original Pomodoro technique described in a manner that was quite so rigid. 25 minutes is not some required time block; I always understood it as adaptable to circumstances. But I like your technique of evaluating, and making the time blocks more flexible in the moment. We know our own state of mind and what will work in the immediate sense.

[@namirak1]

Good video man!

[@AbdullahAlattas187]

Great video, thank you

[@MichaelRapadas]

Glad you liked it!

[@attran1123]

Great video 💪

[@matheuscampello6281]

DUDE. Super cool content, very intuitive. My main problem with the pomodoro is feeling drained out after the very first round...

[@pete3660]

thank you for this 💫🙏🏻

[@MichaelRapadas]

:)

[@ebayposhman]

Great video !

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks!

[@diorcula]

this is such a simple, yet great solution to the issues i have with OG pomodoro! it kinda blwe my mind haha, will try it tonight!

[@amolpreetsingh1180]

Thank You!

[@outgroup]

Haha I've seen the issues with Pomodoro, but what I do instead is use a stopwatch and choose whenever I want to stop when I lose focus during the activity. I divide 'when' I stop by 5, then use that as my break. I think it was called free form pomodoro.

[@souvik610]

Thank you so much

[@Bitcosb]

I didn't think this was a small channel, you need more subs fr

[@MichaelRapadas]

:) We'll get there. Thanks for watching!

[@ABrigitteM]

Thank you!

[@geraldinebertram2608]

LOVED THIS VIDEO THANK YOUUUUUU. Let’s tryyyyyy

[@ousmanediouf9264]

1k subscribers ? That's a joke. Keep up the grind and the amazing content, this is just incredible! I'll give it a try on my next work session!

[@wernerchan]

I will try this method… thank you chimmy!!!😘

[@MichaelRapadas]

Let me know how it plays out!

[@MyChannelZs]

Great method! Any software you use or recommend to accompany this methodology?

[@skeurid]

Unexpected takeaway: setting a short timer gives me a taste for the frustration of the alarm…it’s like it ignites a fire to build up to the longer blocks. I guess having a taste of the flow being broken even in that short period helps remember that it can exist at all….Thanks for this fresh perspective.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Whoa. I never thought of it that way before. And yes, the alarm going off can be used to multiply the drive forward.

[@reinhardtgallowitz5344]

As someone with ADHD I can't distinguish between Hyper focus (as result of ADHD) and being in flow. But in hindsight I can always tell. Hyperfocus leaves me exhausted, while Flow doesn't.

[@weddjammal9413]

THIS IS REVOLUTIONARY! although I usually start off strong and then my attention span begins to decrease. So my adjustments would be to have a long session first (1-2 h) then start taking short breaks every 30 min, then maybe longer breaks every 30 min until I call it a day 😇

[@MichaelRapadas]

The point is that you found the way that resonates with what comes natural for you. I like the idea of starting strong, especially when I’m amped and itching to go.

[@trungkeeper4312]

Damn i have to say after watching this video and see the view count, it really sad that this video can't even reach 100k because the content and the representation is very good. Keep up the great work man.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Yo, thanks!

[@user-cq8tp6df7o]

I love it! It's simple, it's brilliant. I've tried to apply the Pomodoro technique many times and while it did help me with procrastination, it then actually became an obstacle for my productivity. So, I will definitely try your Progressive Pomodoro technique. But I have a question. I happen to be a fan of Andrew Huberman too and in his podcast he talks a lot about ultradian cycles. Have you thought about integrating this concept into your tool?

[@MichaelRapadas]

Yes. Huberman is the man. The problem: Ultradian cycles are a difficult to detect IMO. But I still try to plan my day with 90 minute focus blocks if I can find the window for it. Though, I don't end up thinking that knowing exactly my ultradian cycles will make or break me, especially if I've gotten confidence at actively cultivating the flow state reliably.

[@FlowCreators]

Great vid, earned a sub.

[@piclkesthedrummer6439]

hey, great video! I've been doing something simmilar, but i would just increase the time, the progressive increase is a cool idea. However, with og pomo you have a natural way of determining how long you will chill. Are there any limits or good advice, on how you structure your breaks? especially, in the very begining, and after long flow state? I find it when i forget about the timer and go on for hour or two in the flow state I will easily fall for one hour or even longer break.

[@planetestheonly]

Right on time, I'm questioning about my flow state these days, as I was using the og technique, the problems were the same as ones you named, but I haven't thought about decrese entrance barrier (although I am a procrastinator myself) and skip break when reaching flow state (I feel fed up when I could reach flow state and having to take breaks, but I'd go for break anyways and lose motivation or so momentum to keep going, SILLY ME) guess I'd better be more discipline and skip breaks when needed. I can get myself to focus for 5-6 hours when I could reach flow state in a highly pressures environment, but also a godly procrastinator (maybe i shouldn't identify myself with that, maybe i should get rid of my perfectionistic). Many thanks, I'll experiment now with this technique, I'll come back with the results (If so I remember lol)

[@MichaelRapadas]

Please do! I'd be interested in making a follow up video and sharing everyone's experiences. Also, we can possibly make this more accessible to more people by seeing what makes it work/not work for each person.

[@titanrayven3275]

I also didn’t find 25:5 to work so I changed from 25:5 to 52:17 and became more productive. I saw 52:17 from one of the videos on youtube too and found it to be a good fit for my productivity. 52 minutes get me into the flow and 17 minutes is perfect for a break. But thanks for your idea. I will try it when I dont find 52:17 working for me anymore.

[@franciscogazzo3125]

Hey man! Great video, I’ll try this method. It seems pretty interesting and doable. One question: what are those apps that you use on your Mac and on your iPhone to implement this? Keep up the good work!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Vitamin-R. Available on Mac and iOS.

[@Etard-mm8mh]

i will try from today and report you in next week. thank you for the pregressive pomodoro😀😀

[@Lonewolf-mt4fw]

You've earned a new subscriber.

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks very much

[@alastairtheduke]

Brilliant, I've been skipping pomos when I'm in flow already...and keep skipping until I run out of focus energy.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Keep on flowin’

[@ammarhassan_]

This video is really good, I am so distracted that almost nothing helped me until I found pomodoro is a technique to get u into flow, for me I was/am finding 25 min sometimes get really annoyed thing coz u entered in a flow state and u have to stop, I find as a habit building it is good as it remove fricition but now I find it annoying and like humberman said, we r not machines, I like to use pomodoro as a kick starter, sometimes (like now my 25 min has been spend watching this video coz I didn't feel the flow yet) and u make it great point, not all time it is gonna be the same. great video.

[@hermesingenui2653]

Good content !

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks for stopping by

[@iviadiviax]

Do you recommend any app that can track tasks and habits in this dynamic way? P.S. excellent video and production!

[@user-oq5ei4qd8r]

Thanks for this I will give this a go for sure but I will try 1 minute focus because I have issues focusing.

[@mtamech535]

Tip: as a video creator. Music is slightly too loud and distracting. I appreciate the video, which is why I said something. EDIT: By the way, this progressive idea is fantastic...it's exactly what I need. I couldn't get into the 20-25 minute start off, but I'm sure I could do this. I also got involved in a project and then would have to shut down for a few minutes...it was very frustrating. Thank you!

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks for the heads up! Happy to hear your catching flow more easily.

[@maiwinn]

Hi Mike! Super glad I was recommended this video. Will try it out. Also, from one small creator to another, I'd love to connect with you perhaps in the near future for a collab? I already see there's a lot I can learn from you and hopefully can contribute to your growth somehow myself. More importantly, I'm a fan of HL Podcast as well. 🙂

[@MichaelRapadas]

Got a chance to watch your latest. Let's trade secrets and level up. Sent you a message.

[@LivingInChicagoAndTheSuburbs]

Sometimes I don’t have an issue with flow, I have a problem with hyper fixating. Sometimes I have to use the timer to move to additional responsibilities or I will stay in the flow state all day,…..I have several businesses and responsibilities. I have to break them down into super focused 15 min and flow state 2 hour blocks. But I understand what you are saying. This is great stuff.

[@MichaelRapadas]

Deep flow for 2 hours feels amazing when it's happening. But when I come out of it, sometimes it's so disorienting - so much that it hurts.

[@zoneperformance8475]

After each focused time block (2 mins to whatever) how much break time do you typically give yourself focus session. Would love to hear your recommendations and your experience. Great video and I am excited to try this method to develop my online course for mental training for goalies.

[@MichaelRapadas]

First of all, that's dope! I wonder what from mental training for goalies can be used to develop non-goalies too. Message me on IG. I'd love to experiment with some of your frameworks. As for breaks, I usually stick to 5 minutes. It just depends on the purpose of the break. If I need space from a problem, I'll give myself ample time for a 10-15 minute walk or NSDR. But longer breaks are riskier IMO when it comes to cultivating flow. So I prefer shorter breaks until I get to a hard context switch (going to lunch, workout, commuting).

[@jaedonlong4084]

Keep it up!

[@daraniedesmarteau561]

Nice video !! What is the app that you used to track your time in this video ? Thanks

[@MichaelRapadas]

Thanks! I used Vitamin-R!

[@galinastaneva2019]

I realized I've been doing it anyways, like I set a timer for 50 minutes, and when it rings, if I want to keep working, I just restart it. Similarly, sometimes I would cut it short and take a break before. It's more about the mindset of sitting down and starting work than the strictly measured work/break cycle.

[@MichaelRapadas]

💯. That would be my experience too. I'd get to a point where I naturally wanted to keep going. (high momentum and motivation / flow), but it was inconsistent, especially when the project was difficult. So I allowed myself to use really tiny blocks to get up to that speed more reliably.