WHAT: The 2-Minute Rule is a time hack popularized by David Allen in his book Getting Things Done — if a task will take less than 2 minutes to complete, do it immediately instead of adding it to a to-do list.
HOW: This is when I bring my coffee mug to the kitchen as soon as it's empty, or logging the BNI 1-2-1 meeting right after I leave the Zoom room. This simple hack helps me avoid future clutter on my desk, and in my head.
The key to using the 2-Minute Rule effectively is to apply it systematically as part of a broader workflow management process:
- When a new task comes up, I quickly assess whether it can be completed in 2 minutes or less.
- If so, I do the task right away instead of postponing it. This prevents small tasks from accumulating and becoming distractions.
- If the task will take longer than 2 minutes, I either delegate it or integrate it into my existing projects and to-do list.
WHY: The 2-Minute Rule works for me because:
- It creates momentum. Completing quick tasks right away makes me feel productive and encourages me to tackle more.
- It prevents small tasks from becoming bigger problems. Letting small things pile up can make them feel more daunting than they actually are.
- It keeps my mind clear. Addressing small tasks immediately means I don't have to waste mental energy remembering and worrying about them later.
Overall, the 2-Minute Rule is a simple but powerful time hack that can help me make progress on my goals by tackling small tasks efficiently. By applying it systematically, I reduce procrastination and maintain focus on my most important work.