2-minute rule - overcome procrastination
Merja
We’ve all been there: staring at the blank page, a document waiting to be filled, but somehow, it feels impossible to begin. Or we catch ourselves avoiding the task altogether, finding anything else to do—tidying our workspace, scrolling through social media, or even reorganizing our entire bookshelf!
Define your goal
Why is it so hard to start? Often, the answer lies in how we approach the process. Instead of seeing the task as something we can tackle little by little, we become consumed with the end result. In their book Ikigai, the authors introduce a valuable insight: if our goal is vague, it can feel impossible, creating anxiety that blocks us from starting at all. However, if we define our objectives clearly and focus on each small step rather than the final product, we open ourselves up to a state of “flow”—a mindset in which things unfold naturally, one action leading smoothly into the next.
So, how do we put this into practice, especially for those tasks that feel like mountain climbing? Here’s where David Allen’s 2-Minute Rule from Getting Things Done becomes invaluable.
How the 2-Minute Rule Works
The rule is simple: if a task takes two minutes or less, do it now. But even for bigger tasks, this concept can be a powerful motivator. Commit to spending just two minutes on the task at hand. That’s it. Give yourself permission to stop after that short burst if you’re really not feeling it.
But here’s the trick—often, those two minutes are enough to get us going. Once we break through the inertia, it’s easier to keep moving. And if you do decide to stop after two minutes, you’ve still made progress, which can create a small sense of accomplishment and boost your motivation to return later.
Why Small Steps Matter
When we aim to reach a big goal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when the task requires skills or qualities we might not naturally have. But rather than worrying about doing everything perfectly, simply acknowledge that this task is a step toward your larger goal. You don’t have to excel at every single part—you just have to start. As you keep taking small, manageable steps, you’ll find that even the most daunting goals become achievable.
Takeaway
If you’re prone to procrastination, try using the 2-Minute Rule. Set a timer and get started with something, however small. Don’t overthink it. Remember, focusing on the process rather than the end result helps make the journey less intimidating. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself making more progress than you anticipated.
Next time you’re staring at that blank document, take a deep breath, set your timer for two minutes, and just begin. You might be surprised at where those two minutes can lead. This is what I just did.
