The Problem: It's the weekend (or any day) and you're buried under a long to-do list
So, what do you do? Turn on the TV. Or watch videos on Facebook. Maybe you pretend to go for a walk, which is really code for chat with the neighbor. Truthfully? You procrastinate. That list is just too long.
This often happens when tasks feel overwhelming, boring, or too difficult to start. Instead of diving in, people distract themselves with easier or more enjoyable activitiesâlike those mentioned above.
Unfortunately, procrastination can lead to missed deadlines, increased stress, and a sense of failure (something we'll cover in a future Sunday morning Hack). Over time, this "do-later" attitude becomes a cycle, making even small tasks seem insurmountable. It's time to get unstuck!
The Hack: Adopt the 2-minute rule
The 2-Minute Rule is a strategy that conquers procrastination by demolishing the mental barrier to getting started. The idea is simple: if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
For larger tasks, commit to just two minutes of progress. This trick works because the hardest part is often startingâonce youâve begun, youâre more likely to keep going. It removes the pressure of âfinishingâ a task and builds momentum with small wins.
Plus, you'll buy yourself time tomorrow morning to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea without worrying about that task you knocked off last night.
The 2-minute rule may cause skepticism because it's so ridiculously easy. Don't dismiss it until you try it.
What you can do tomorrow (or today, since we're no longer procrastinating)
Do something fun for, you guessed it, 2 minutes. Because we avoid hard things by gravitating to entertainment, why not reward yourself first (the reverse of how we're taught). Do something fun for 2 minutes to put yourself in the 2-minute mindset.
Tackle your to-do list. Pick a task you've been putting off and set a timer for two minutes. Work on it with the option to stop when the timer ends (chances are, youâll keep going). For example, we hate folding and storing laundry, which can take 10-15 minutes.
We start by saying, "Hey Alexa (Siri and Google work too), set a 2-minute timer." When it goes off, laundry folding and storing stops. Wind down for a while (2 minutes maybe), then it's back to folding.
Clear your inbox. Scan your email for any task that can be done in two minutesâlike replying to a message or filing documentsâand handle it right away. Got 100 emails? Maybe you can delete half of them in 2 minutes.
Prep for tomorrow. Before bed, spend two minutes setting out items for the next dayâlike clothes or a water bottleâso you start the day with less friction. Plus, you'll buy yourself time tomorrow morning to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea without worrying about that task you knocked off last night.
The 2-Minute Rule was popularized by David Allen in his bestselling book Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Allen introduced the rule as part of his productivity system, where he suggests that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, it should be done immediately rather than postponed.
He says the strategy helps reduce mental clutter and keeps small tasks from piling up. We've found this to be spot-on.
Final Word
We've learned so many ways to use the 2-minute rule in our daily lives. From de-cluttering the house to quick bursts of exercise, we've changed our lives in 120-second increments. Imagine what you can do in just 2 minutes.
Your turn
We'd love to hear from you. Reply to the email, comment at the bottom of the post, or tag us on X @hackmylearning or @10publications.
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