"Under that system, things like polishing and refactoring my code (which can be a valuable use of your time, but I would frequently use them to procrastinate), counted equally towards my goals for the day, even if I wasn’t actually making any real progress."
...so set the goal before you start your Pomodo task.
That's what I do.
I choose something I can get done in say and hour and start the task for an hour and try and get it done during this time.
This also gamifies my time, and I have to keep redirecting my focus on the goal. I get shitloads done during this.
During my 10 minute break in between, i'll reflect on the task, decide next goal, etc. And repeat.
...so set the goal before you start your Pomodo task.
That's what I do.
I choose something I can get done in say and hour and start the task for an hour and try and get it done during this time. This also gamifies my time, and I have to keep redirecting my focus on the goal. I get shitloads done during this. During my 10 minute break in between, i'll reflect on the task, decide next goal, etc. And repeat.