1 Sept 2023
I have tried many hacks to increase productivity and did this for a while to help with doing things that I kept putting off. I found it very helpful as most of the time I got started quickly and completed the task.
Sometimes the things we seek to put off can seem quite big and overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Taking small steps and committing to action helps with momentum and can lessen the size of the task in your mind.
Good for: Getting started and getting things done
Best completed by: You
The 2-minute rule is a productivity technique that suggests that any task that can be completed in two minutes or less should be done immediately, without delay. The idea behind the rule is that small tasks and decisions can add up and take a lot of time and energy if they are not dealt with promptly.
By dealing with these tasks as soon as they come up, you can save time and mental energy for more important tasks and reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by a long to-do list.
Start small
If there is something that you do not want to do or have been putting off. Commit to doing it for two minutes and give yourself permission to stop after 2 minutes. More often than not you will continue when the two minutes is up.
Here are a few tips for implementing the rule:
Make a list of tasks that can be completed in 2 minutes or less. This might include tasks like responding to an email, making a phone call, or paying a bill.
As soon as you receive a new task or have an idea, decide whether it can be completed in 2 minutes or less. If it can, do it right away. If not, add it to your to-do list or schedule it for a later time.
Try to be as specific as possible when identifying tasks that can be completed in the time. For example, instead of saying "respond to emails," specify which emails need to be responded to and how long you think it will take to respond to each one.
Use the rule to clear your inbox and reduce clutter. If you receive an email that can be dealt with in 2 minutes or less, do it right away rather than leaving it in your inbox.
Be realistic about what you can accomplish in the time. If a task will take longer, don't try to force it into the 2-minute rule. Instead, schedule it for a later time or break it down into smaller tasks that can be completed in 2 minutes or less.
Overall, the rule can be a helpful tool for increasing productivity and reducing the stress of a long to-do list. It can also help you stay focused and avoid getting bogged down by small tasks and decisions.
Experts that talk about the 2-minute rule
The rule is a productivity technique that has been discussed and recommended by a number of productivity experts and personal development writers. Some of the experts who have talked about it include:
David Allen, author of "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity." Allen advises using the rule to clear your inbox and tackle small tasks as soon as they come up.
James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones." Clear discusses the 2-minute rule as a way to build good habits and make progress on your goals.
Tim Ferriss, author of "The 4-Hour Work Week." Ferriss recommends using the 2-minute rule to tackle small tasks and make progress on larger goals.
Charles Duhigg, author of "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business." Duhigg discusses the 2-minute rule as a way to build good habits and make progress on your goals.
Overall, the 2-minute rule is a widely discussed and recommended productivity technique that can help you increase your productivity and get more done in less time.
Thank you for reading
Dionne
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