Procrastination is a common issue that affects many people. However, there is a simple technique that can help you overcome it and increase your productivity.

The Two Minute Rule is a proven productivity hack that can help you tackle tasks that you've been avoiding.

The principle is simple…

If a task can be completed in two minutes or less, do it immediately instead of postponing it.

By following this rule, you'll be able to build momentum and overcome procrastination.

So let’s talk about where this rule comes from and how to apply it to your life.

What is the Two-Minute Rule?

This is a simple technique introduced by David Allen in his bestselling book Getting Things Done. What Allen recommended is to break the procrastination habit by encouraging immediate action on tasks that take less than two minutes to complete.

The science behind this technique is based on the idea that small wins can lead to big victories.

When we complete a task, no matter how small, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This creates a positive feedback loop that motivates us to continue working towards our goals.

Moreover, the Two-Minute Rule helps to break down the mental barriers that often prevent us from starting a task.

By focusing on the small, manageable steps, we can overcome the feeling of overwhelm and build momentum towards our larger goals.

Okay, now that you know how this technique can help you, let’s learn how to apply it to your daily routine.

How to Apply the Two-Minute Rule

Now that you know the basics of the Two-Minute Rule, let's explore the 3-step process you can use it to overcome procrastination:

Step 1: Review Your Tasks

To get started, take a few minutes each day to review your tasks and to-do list. The best time to do this is as part of a morning routine where you can plan the upcoming day.

(You can use this Daily Routine Printable Bundle for this task.)

During this review, look for those tasks you've been procrastinating or specific activities that can be quickly completed.

Estimate the time each task requires and look for those items that you’re sure will only take less than two minutes to complete.

For instance, your list might include items like:

● Responding to an email or text message

● Making a quick phone call

● Filing a document

● Paying a bill

● Unsubscribing from emails you no longer like

● Tidying up a workspace

● Sending a thank-you note

● Scheduling a quick appointment

● Reading a specific article

● Brainstorming ideas for two minutes

● Checking the weather forecast

● Washing the dishes you just used

● Organizing your home office desk

Once you’ve identified these “two minute tasks,” you can move on to the next part of the process.

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Step #2: Complete the Two-Minute Tasks Immediately

If an activity takes less than two minutes, do it now!

For such tasks, don't delay.

Do them right away!

Start a timer on your phone or a physical one, then start ripping through these two-minute tasks.

That said, we feel there is a small exception to this rule…

If you’re in the middle of a morning routine or simply don’t have time, then our suggestion is to set aside a block of time where you can complete these two-minute tasks.

One strategy that can help you do this is the Pomodoro Technique where you set aside a 25-minute block of time that’s completely dedicated to a series of 2-minute tasks.

Step #3: Break Down Larger Tasks

During your morning review, you’ll probably identify a variety of tasks and projects that take longer than two minutes to complete.

You’ll want to schedule blocks of time throughout the day where you can work on these items.

One strategy that can help is to build what we call “Elephant Habits.”

It’s easy to procrastinate on a large project. You know it will take days or even weeks to complete, so you keep putting off getting started.

But we’ve all heard this piece of advice before:

“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

The idea here is that whenever you’re faced with a large, complex goal, all you need to do is chip away at it in small chunks.

In essence -- you’re eating away at a project, one bite a time.

If you’d like to learn more, then be sure to check out our video that goes over the elephant habit concept.

As you can see, the two-minute rule is a simple yet effective tool that can revolutionize your productivity.

By breaking down larger tasks and tackling smaller ones immediately, you will see progress happening every day, ultimately helping you accomplish larger goals in the long run.

⚙️1% Habit Idea

Today’s 1% habit is a simple, but powerful concept. One of the simplest ways to focus on your important tasks is to remove all distractions. Here’s how…

Most people find it’s impossible to ignore their email and social media notifications when trying to work. This means that if you’re interrupted every few minutes by a ping, push notification, or text alert, then your productivity will be greatly reduced.

Yes, these social activities are pleasurable—they give our brains a little hit of dopamine, otherwise known as the happy hormone. In other words, social media can be addictive. A quick five minutes on Facebook can easily turn into an hour, as many of us can attest to.

Rather than struggling against your brain’s natural inclination to procrastinate, save yourself a lot of time and hassle by simply closing your email tab and banning social media during work time.

How to Get Started

If you have strong willpower, then simply close out any app or website that might be distracting before a work session. However, if you’re someone who can’t rely on willpower alone, then there are a wide range of tools that can block your access to the most tempting distractions.

Here are a few apps and websites you can use:

● Rescue Time: Understand how you spend your time so you can focus and increase your productivity.

● StayFocusd: Limit the amount of time you spend on distracting websites by installing StayFocusd on your computer.

● Cold Turkey: Similar to StayFocusd, Cold Turkey temporarily blocks distracting websites so you can focus on work.

● SelfControl: Block out distracting websites for a set amount of time.

● Freedom: Schedule blocking social websites, apps, and even the Internet on all your devices.

● FocusBooster: Uses the Pomodoro Technique so you can focus on single tasks for twenty-five minutes apiece.

We live in a world where distractions are all around us. You shouldn’t feel bad if you occasionally indulge in them. Instead, you should recognize that you’re not perfect and proactively use the above apps to prevent distractions whenever you need to laser-focus on a task.

🗂️ The Resource Roundup

😒 Eight Ways to Banish Misery - What if ancient wisdom could help us tackle modern unhappiness? This article draws on Bertrand Russell’s philosophy to offer timeless insights on overcoming common sources of dissatisfaction, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking deeper contentment in life.

🧠 Existential Uncertainty: How It Affects Your Mind – And What You Can Do About It - Ever felt unsettled by the unknowns in life? This article dives into how existential uncertainty impacts our mental health and offers practical ways to navigate it, making it a must-read for anyone seeking stability in an unpredictable world.

🚫 Ten Tips for Avoiding Scams - Want to protect yourself from online scams and financial fraud? This article offers ten essential tips to help you recognize and avoid scams, empowering you to keep your personal information and money safe in an increasingly digital world.

💤 How to Sleep When You’re a Perfectionist - Struggling to sleep because your mind won’t stop racing? This insightful guide helps perfectionists and high achievers quiet their inner drive at night, offering practical tips to finally get the restful sleep you deserve.

🔋 The Art of Recharging Well with Datsuzoku - Curious about breaking free from routines to spark more creativity and joy? This article explores datsuzoku, the Japanese concept of escaping convention, offering inspiring insights on how small changes can lead to a more fulfilling, mindful life.

That’s it for today.

Have a great weekend!

Cheers,

Steve Scott

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