Being productive these days, amidst so many daily activities that interrupt work, can seem like an impossible mission if you’re a freelancer or have your own business. Although time is the most valuable resource we have, it’s also the easiest to waste.
The good news is that there are productivity methods that can help you manage it, such as the famous Pomodoro technique or Time Blocking .
Now we’ll take a closer look at these two time management methodologies and compare them to help you decide which one best suits your career.
The Pomodoro Technique
We previously discussed the Pomodoro Technique in our dedicated article, which uses short bursts of work. The idea is that these short sprints keep you focused and prevent burnout.
How the Pomodoro Technique Works
You choose a task. You set a timer for 25 minutes.
You work without distractions until the timer goes off.
You take a 5 minute break.
Repeat the entire process. After four tomatoes, rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique
Combat procrastination: 25 minutes seems manageable, even for difficult tasks.
Reduces mental fatigue: Frequent breaks prevent burnout.
It’s ideal for repetitive or creative work: writers, programmers, and designers often benefit.
Tangible metrics: Counting completed pomodoros gives a sense of accomplishment.
Disadvantages of the Pomodoro Technique
Inflexible: Interruptions such as calls can break the rhythm.
Not ideal for deep work: Tasks that require more than 2 hours of focus are affected by breaks.
Underestimating time: Complex projects may require more pomodoros than expected.
The Time Blocking Technique
Time Blocking is a way of dividing your day into blocks dedicated to specific tasks. It’s typically used by people in C-level positions (CEO, CFO, COO, etc.). Instead of reacting to emails or emergencies, you assign fixed time slots to your activities, creating a predictable structure.
How Time Blocking Works
List your daily/weekly tasks.
Estimate how much time each one needs.
Assign blocks in your calendar (e.g. 9:00–10:30 AM: meeting; 11:00 AM–1:00 PM: product development).
Treat those blocks as unmovable appointments.
Advantages of the Time Blocking technique
Control your agenda: you prioritize the strategic over the urgent.
Reduce context switching: Focusing on one task at a time prevents loss of productivity.
Adaptable to complex tasks: ideal for team leaders or product launches.
Focus on results: Success is measured by progress, not hours worked.
Disadvantages of the Time Blocking technique
Rigid structure: If a task drags on for too long, it can ruin your schedule.
It requires self-awareness: underestimating time can disorganize your day.
Not for everyone: Freelancers with clients in different time zones may have difficulty blocking out time.
Real-life example: Javier, a startup founder, blocks off his mornings for strategic work (9:00 AM–12:00 PM) and his afternoons for meetings. This way, he ensures he makes progress on what’s important, even on chaotic days.
Pomodoro vs Time Blocking
The choice of the ideal method depends on several factors to be evaluated:
A) Type of work
Pomodoro works best for:
- Solo tasks that require focus (programming, writing, designing).
- People prone to procrastination or distraction.
Time Blocking is ideal for:
- Roles with varied responsibilities (managers, entrepreneurs).
- Long-term projects that require detailed planning (launches, reports).
B) Flexibility vs structure
Do you have an unpredictable schedule? Pomodoro lets you pause and resume with ease.
Do you need to align your work with long-term goals? Time blocking forces you to plan strategically.
C) Personality and work style
Pomodoro is for those who:
- They love clear metrics (completed tomatoes = progress).
- They need frequent breaks to recharge their batteries.
Time Blocking is for those who:
- They prefer strict routines.
- They have the discipline to follow a schedule.
Can both methods be combined?
Absolutely! Many hybrid professionals use Time Blocking for general planning and Pomodoro for specific execution.
For example:
- Block 3 hours for “Project Development” on your calendar.
- Within that block, work in 25-minute sessions with breaks.
This combination offers structure and flexibility, although it requires practice to master.
Tools to implement each method
For Pomodoro:
- Apps: Focus Booster, TomatoTimer, Forest (gamifies focus).
- Analog version: kitchen timer or smartwatch.
For Time Blocking:
- Digital calendars: Google Calendar, Notion or Sunsama.
- Additional technique: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks before assigning blocks.
Which one should you choose?
The answer depends on your workflow, personality, and projects. Ask yourself:
- Do you work better under pressure or with flexibility?
- Are your tasks short and varied or long and complex?
- Do you need immediate metrics (pomodoros) or do you prefer global results?
Try both methods for a week and adjust based on your experience. Ultimately, the best system is the one that allows you to achieve the most without sacrificing your well-being.
Bonus for entrepreneurs: If you lead a team, Time Blocking scales better for coordinating deliverables. But to improve individual focus, consider implementing Pomodoro as an optional tool.
Whichever method you choose, remember: productivity isn’t about working more hours, it’s about working with intention. Now go conquer your day! 🚀
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