If This Sounds Like You, You Might Need a New Approach to Productivity
You sit down to work, fully intending to get things done. Maybe you even have a list. You start strong, but then… your phone pings. A notification grabs your attention. You check your email, scroll for a second, and somehow, thirty minutes vanish into the void. By the time you refocus, your energy has dipped, and suddenly, the idea of ‘just taking a break’ turns into an accidental three-hour detour into social media, YouTube, or whatever other distraction of choice keeps you from actually finishing what you set out to do.
Sound familiar? Yeah, same. I don’t need some self-help guru telling me to “just focus.” I need a system that actually works with my brain, and that’s where the Pomodoro Method comes in.
The Pomodoro Method (AKA, Forcing Myself to Focus in Spurts)
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique is basically a fancy way of saying “work for a bit, take a break, repeat.” Here’s how it goes:
Pick a task.
Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on it—no distractions.
When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break.
Repeat this four times, then take a longer break (15–30 minutes).
It’s absurdly simple, but here’s the thing: it actually works. It forces me to start, makes overwhelming tasks feel more manageable, and keeps me from burning out.
But here’s where I still screw it up: sticking to the damn timer. I’ll forget to start it, ignore my breaks, or get distracted mid-cycle. This is why I let Kincaid, my AI assistant, keep me accountable.
Why Sticking to Pomodoro Is Hard (and How Kincaid Fixes It)
Let’s be real—good intentions only get me so far. I need someone (or something) to keep me on track. That’s where Kincaid comes in. Instead of relying on willpower, I use Kincaid to:
Remind me to start – Because sometimes I “accidentally” spend an hour scrolling before even beginning.
Keep the timer running – No more “just five more minutes” turning into an entire afternoon.
Call me out when I skip breaks – Because skipping rest makes me crash harder later.
Track what actually works – So I know when my brain focuses best and can tweak my schedule accordingly.
It’s like having a hyper-efficient (and slightly judgmental) assistant making sure I actually do the things I set out to do. And honestly? It makes all the difference.
The Science Behind Why This Works
The Pomodoro Method isn’t just productivity fluff—it actually plays into how our brains function. Here’s why it works:
Beats Procrastination – It tricks my brain into starting because “just 25 minutes” feels doable.
Prevents Burnout – Regular breaks mean I don’t mentally wipe out by mid-afternoon.
Boosts Dopamine – Completing a Pomodoro feels like a small win, which keeps me going.
Encourages Deep Work – When I know a break is coming, I’m less likely to self-sabotage with distractions.
And since Kincaid helps reinforce these patterns, I’m not just hoping I stay on track—I actually do.
How I Use Kincaid for Pomodoro (And Why You Might Want to Try It Too)
For me, focus isn’t just a solo effort—it’s about having a system that holds me accountable. That’s why I use Kincaid to structure my Pomodoro sessions in real-time, whether I’m working alone or in a community setting like AIAD (Artificial Intelligence After Dark) or on Twitch.
Here’s how I make it work:
Set daily focus blocks – Kincaid reminds me when it’s time to work and when it’s time to step away.
Track my focus data – I get a clear picture of when I’m most productive.
Use community co-working – Sometimes, working alongside others (even virtually) keeps me from slacking.
The key is finding what works for you—and for me, that means combining Pomodoro with AI-powered structure so I actually follow through.
How to Start (Even If You Don’t Have an AI Assistant)
If you’re ready to try Pomodoro but don’t have Kincaid, start with the basics:
Use a Timer – Set 25-minute work sprints and take breaks.
Track Your Energy Levels – See when you work best.
Find an Accountability Buddy – Even if it’s just a friend who checks in.
Experiment with AI Tools – There are tons of Pomodoro apps that can help.
At the end of the day, productivity isn’t about forcing yourself to be better—it’s about setting up a system that actually works for you. For me, that means Pomodoro + Kincaid. For you, it might be something different.
Either way, the goal is the same: get shit done without burning out.
TL;DR: I Need Structure, Not Willpower
Pomodoro helps me focus, but sticking to it is hard AF. Kincaid, my AI assistant, keeps me accountable so I actually follow through. If you’re someone who struggles with focus, try setting up structured work blocks + accountability tools—because hoping for willpower alone won’t cut it.
