I'm not even sure if it's a common saying, but I did read about it the other week and it stuck with me.
Now I'm going to tell you and hopefully it will stick with you too!
No, the Two-Minute Rule is not in regards to food that has landed on the floor (that's the Five-Second Rule) - what it is, is a way to streamline your to-do list so that it doesn't constantly build.
Essentially, if you are faced with a task that takes two minutes or less to complete - then you should do it right then and there. Don't put it off for later or add it to your list of items to attend to. Take the two minutes (or less) and get it done.
Case in point, my inbox is atrocious. I have so many e-mails that I've been sitting on to reply to, or to act on - all the while new messages keep coming in and those tasks slip lower and lower down on my list. I will admit to even forgetting to reply to some at all.
Today, I'm going to take the two minutes to reply to any new messages that come in right away. My larger "To Do List" item will be to clear the backlog - but at least it won't grow.
If it takes less than two minutes to load a sink full of dishes into the dishwasher - then do it now.
If it takes two minutes or less to walk downstairs and put that load of laundry into the dryer - then do it now.
You'll find that the stress of 'task build-up' can be greatly lessened by incorporating this one little rule into your day.
The articles I've seen on this, also apply it to creating habits in your life;
If you can do it in two minutes or less, then start it.
For instance; putting your shoes on to go for a walk. Once you've invested the two minutes into putting your gear on, you are much more likely to actually head out the door and exercise.
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. I love the 2–Minute Rule because it embraces the idea that all sorts of good things happen once you get started.
I haven't applied the two minute rule to my health regime (or lack thereof) yet - but now that I've put it in the perspective of "it will just take two minutes of my time", how can I not?
"Nothing is more exhausting than the task that has never started."
- Gretchen Rubin The Happiness Project
Come on Lacey - time for walkies!
Have a great one!
Linked to:
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| Between Naps on the Porch |
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| Skip to My Lou |
That is BRILLIANT! Thanks for the lesson. :)
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