Who doesn’t want to be more productive or establish some good habits?
Thanks to David Allen, best-selling author of Getting Things Done, and Jame Clear, author fo the best-selling Atomic Habits, there are two simple methods that anyone can use to achieve these goals.
Each author uses what they refer to as the two-minute rule.
In Allen’s case, the basic idea is that if something comes up that will take less than two minutes to complete, it’s better to go ahead and do it rather than taking the time to add it to your to-do list and revisit it again later. This could include tasks such as:
- answering an email
- washing your dishes right after a meal
- taking out the trash
- paying a bill online
- reading Borden’s Blather
In Clear’s case, the basic idea is that when you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do. Clear claims that nearly any habit can be scaled down into a two-minute version:
- “Read before bed each night” becomes “Read one page.”
- “Do thirty minutes of yoga” becomes “Take out my yoga mat.”
- “Study for class” becomes “Open my notes.”
- “Fold the laundry” becomes “Fold one pair of socks.”
- “Run three miles” becomes “Tie my running shoes.”
So there you have it; two productivity tips for the price of one (actually for free).
And if you’ve got a couple of extra minutes to spare and would like to learn a bit more about each of these techniques, here is a Pinkcast where Daniel Pink talks with David Allen about increasing productivity, and an excerpt from Atomic Habits by James Clear that goes into more detail on how to start a new habit.
I agree, two minutes is enough time to do basic things. I wish they incorporate that at the atm machine. Most people take 5-6 minutes. It only take me ones. I feel like unprepared people are most un productive. I’m loving the 2 minute rule
LikeLike
Hi LaShawn. I agree completely with you on the ATM – it should be a one-minute transaction. Anything longer, go in the bank. Have a good day.
LikeLike
I love this concept. and yes, of course so lucky your blog was on the list )
LikeLike
it seems like a great concept, now I’ve just got to start using it. maybe I’ll start by reading my own blog:)
LikeLike
Great concept and yes can always use tips!
I already knocked out one thing, I read your blog. 🙂
LikeLike
it seems like a good idea, I’m going to give it a shot. And hopefully you find something more productive to do today than reading my blog! 🙂
LikeLike
Well of course I can….I can read mine. Haha! 😃
I guess you were talking about something more like organizing the closet though . 😉
LikeLike
anything is more productive than reading my blog!
LikeLike
LOL!
LikeLike
Can’t argue with that. 🙂
LikeLike
seems like solid advice.
LikeLike
I’ll just read Borden’s Blather!
LikeLike
thanks, Chrissie; that means your day can only get better! 🙂
LikeLike
It does! I generally end up smiling!
LikeLike
thanks, Chrissie!
LikeLike
I think Allen got it right. It’s better to take care of business when at the time when it’s fresh in one’s mind. My only question—why is Borden’s Blather at the end of the list? Move it up, Jim. 😎
LikeLike
the list is in order of most exciting to least exciting use of two minutes… 🙂
LikeLike
Oops, I’d better add “proofread my responses” so that I catch the grammar errors before I send them.
LikeLike
grammar issues have never stopped me! 🙂
LikeLike
I got a at least one of those done! 😊
LikeLike
well they do say to get your most unpleasant task out of the way first!
LikeLike
Lol. I put the best first!
LikeLike