Two 2 minute Rules: Start Big Tasks, Knock Out Tiny Ones

The two “2-minute Rules”.

Two of the easiest and most helpful tools

Here’s how to use them, and links to deeper dives if you’d like.

TOOLS COVERED:

• The 2-min Rule (Version A from James Clear)

• The 2 min Rule (Version B from David Allen)

The 2-minute Rule (*Version A)

*Actually there are two “2-minute Rules”. I’m highlighting both because each one is excellent and helpful. I’ll refer to them as Version A and Version B.

Version A of The 2-minute Rule is from James Clear in his book Atomic Habits.

What it is: Break down the bigger habit into it’s smallest essential component, “making it easy” as possible to get past the hardest part: starting a task.

The 2 -minute Rule states:

“When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do.”

Examples:  

“Clean my room” (hard) becomes “make my bed.” (easy)

“Run 5 miles” (hard) becomes “Put on running shoes.”  

“Write paper” (hard) becomes “Write one sentence.”

By lowering the barrier for entry, the 2-min rule makes it easier to take action instead of procrastinate.

Deeper Dives:

James Clear explains his 2-min rule: (1 min video)

How to Stop Procrastinating by Using the “2-Minute Rule” : (Article by James Clear)

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The 2-minute Rule (*Version B)

*Version B of “The 2-minute Rule” is from David Allen in his book Getting Things Done.

What it is:

“If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined.” ~David Allen

If it takes 2 minutes or less do the task now. 

Rationale- It takes more than 2 minutes to think about, not do, and come back to these small tasks than simply to them immediately.

With these tasks, save time and energy by not thinking too much and simply doing them.

Examples: Taking out the trash, text a loved one, tidy your desk, put the coffee mug away.

Deeper Dive:

Use the Two-Minute Rule To Stop Procrastinating (To-doist Article):

*Yes, I realize I have two 2 minute rules each with links to articles about 2-minute Rules and Procrastination. I promise you they are two completely different “2-minute-Rule and Procrastination” articles, each one valuable and worthy to read.

My friends,

Side-step procrastination by making big tasks easy and tiny tasks automatic.

As always, focus on what matters.

~Charles