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Lets Keep It Simple
/The 2-minute Rule
Recently, I’ve been following a simple rule that is helping me crush procrastination in a bid to just getting things ‘done’.
If you are anything like me then it is not unusual to spend more time writing a ‘to do’ list than it is in actually ‘doing it’! I can also spend hours over thinking issues, planning and organising rather than physically doing anything.
I would like to show you right now how to change this habit, so that you can try it out yourself and see how it works for you in your life.
The best part? It’s a simple strategy that couldn’t be easier to use. If I can, anybody can.
Here’s what you need to know…
James Clear calls this little strategy the “2–Minute Rule” and the goal is to make it easier for you to get started on the things you should be doing.
Most of the tasks that you procrastinate on aren’t actually difficult to do — you have the talent and skills to accomplish them — you just avoid starting them for one reason or another.
The 2–Minute Rule overcomes procrastination and laziness by making it so easy to start taking action that you can’t say no.
There are two parts to the 2–Minute Rule…
Part 1 — If it takes less than two minutes, then do it now.
Part I comes from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done.
It’s surprising how many things we put off that we could get done in two minutes or less. For example, washing your dishes immediately after your meal, filing away papers, cleaning up clutter, sending that email, and so on.
If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, then follow the rule and do it right now.
Part 2 — When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do.
Can all of your goals be accomplished in less than two minutes? Obviously not.
But, every goal can be started in 2 minutes or less. And that’s the purpose behind this little rule.
It might sound like this strategy is too basic for your larger life goals but it works because of one simple reason: the physics of real life.
The Physics of Real Life
As Sir Isaac Newton taught us a long time ago, objects at rest tend to stay at rest and objects in motion tend to stay in motion. This is just as true for humans as it is for falling apples.
The 2–Minute Rule works for big goals as well as small goals because of the inertia of life. Once you start doing something, it’s easier to continue doing it.
Want to eat healthier? - Just eat one piece of fruit (2–Minute Rule), and you’ll often find yourself inspired to make a healthy salad as well.
Want to become fitter? - Just put on your trainers (2–Minute Rule), go outside and start walking. 100 meters will soon turn into 1 mile.
Want to become more relaxed? - Stop… take a deep breath… concentrate on the here and now (2-Minute Rule), before you know it you will be enjoying the benefits of relaxation and who knows (in time) meditation could become a regular habit of your life!
The most important part of any new habit is getting started — not just the first time, but each time.
It’s not about performance, it’s about consistently taking action.
The 2–Minute Rule isn’t about the results you achieve, but rather about the process of actually doing the work.
What’s something you can do that will take you less than two minutes?
Do it right now.
Go
Article inspired by James Clear
