The Two-Minute Rule

Small tasks have a way of accumulating. They sit in your mind, taking up space, creating a low hum of undone things. The two-minute rule cuts through this: if something takes less than two minutes, do it now. Do not add it to a list. Do not plan to do it later. Just do it.

Reply to that email. Put away those dishes. Send that text. Make that call. These are not important tasks, but they are real tasks, and they take up mental space when they remain undone.

This rule works because it removes decision fatigue. You do not need to decide when to do it. You just do it. The rule decides for you. This frees your mind for the things that actually require thought and planning.

Try it today. When something small comes up, check the clock. If it is under two minutes, do it immediately. Notice how much lighter your mind feels when small things are handled as they appear.