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The reasoning behind 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.

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David Allen

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

DAVID ALLEN

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Tasks you can complete in two minutes

Communicate quickly. Never hold up communication with these two-minute responses:

  • Respond to an email or text message.
  • Respond to a work message.
  • Provide a requested approval or sign-off.

Get rid of digital clutter

...

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Avoid context-switching

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.

  • Block off time for focused work. Demanding and complex work often needs a long period of intense ...

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Two ways to apply the two-minute rule

  1. 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.
  2. Starting a big task. We often avoid ambitio...

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Advantages of the two-minute rule

  • The two-minute rule is simple and straightforward to implement.
  • It prevents procrastination before it starts. Instead of adding a task to a list to do in the future, it can be done now.
  • It creates momentum. Doing a small t...

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franciscoaw

Life goes by fast. I learn about how to make most of it.

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Advantages of the two-minute rule

  • The two-minute rule is simple and straightforward to implement.
  • It prevents procrastination before it starts. Instead of adding a task to a list to do in the future, it can be done now.
  • It creates momentum. Doing a small t...

The Reasoning Behind The 2–Minute Rule

The Reasoning Behind The 2–Minute Rule

The 2–Minute Rule overcomes procrastination by automating the decision-making process, making it so easy to start taking action that you can’t say no.

It consists of breaking down tasks into chunks that can be completed into 2 minutes and deciding to do immediately any tasks that ...

The Logic Behind The Two-Minute Rule

  • Incorporating the two-minute rule as a habit should make it easier to follow, in time.
  • Once you start working on something, the chances of your giving up on it are negligible.
  • It provides a solution to all those small tasks that tend to get overshadowed ...

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