"If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined".

The two-minute rule has one risk: context switching. We can fall into the trap of completing two-minute tasks when we should be prioritising deep focus.
<ul>
<li>Block off time for focused work. Demanding and complex work often needs a long period of intense focus without distractions. During this time, put the two-minute rule on pause.</li>
<li>Carve out time for two-minute tasks. The best time to use the two-minute rule is during periods of procrastinating on a bigger task.</li>
</ul>

Avoid context-switching

<ul>
<li>The two-minute rule is simple and straightforward to implement.</li>
<li>It prevents procrastination before it starts. Instead of adding a task to a list to do in the future, it can be done now.</li>
<li>It creates momentum. Doing a small task now propels you towards the next task.</li>
<li>It builds a habit of taking action immediately.</li>
<li>It's flexible. Two minutes is just a guideline. You can extend the cutoff to five or ten minutes.</li>
</ul>

Advantages of the two-minute rule

The two-minute rule is a defence against procrastination.
However, it is important to understand the reasoning behind the rule. The little tasks that pile up on our to-do lists start to snowball and eventually feel insurmountable. We spend more time thinking about not doing the task and feeling guilty about it than just doing it, such as filing a receipt, tidying your desk, or wiping a mirror.

The reasoning behind the two-minute rule

<ol>
<li>Completing quick tasks. Often, the little tasks like needing to book a doctor's appointment or sending an email can fill our minds and haunt us. The longer we put something off, the harder it seems to do.</li>
<li>Starting a big task. We often avoid ambitious or ambiguous projects because we don't know where to start. The two-minute rule comes in handy to pull us out of procrastination. A large project starts with identifying one small step that you can do in two minutes to get started.</li>
</ol>

Two ways to apply the two-minute rule

Communicate quickly. Never hold up communication with these two-minute responses:
<ul>
<li>Respond to an email or text message.</li>
<li>Respond to a work message.</li>
<li>Provide a requested approval or sign-off.</li>
</ul>
Get rid of digital clutter
<ul>
<li>Delete or hide apps cluttering your phone's home screen.</li>
<li>Unsubscribe from annoying emails.</li>
<li>Empty your computer trash folder.</li>
</ul>
Get rid of chores
<ul>
<li>Wash the dishes you just used.</li>
<li>Organize your home office desk.</li>
<li>Water the plants.</li>
<li>Sweep the kitchen floor.</li>
</ul>

Tasks you can complete in two minutes

Build a bias for action with the two-minute rule and ensure your small tasks don’t become big headaches

DAVID ALLEN

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