The Two-Minute Rule
Small actions, immediate momentum
Productivity advice often focuses on grand systems. But most paralysis comes from tasks so small we dismiss them. The two-minute rule removes this friction.
Tiny actions completed immediately prevent mental clutter.
Our brains treat incomplete tasks as open loops. Every email you will respond to later occupies mental bandwidth. The Two-Minute Rule: if something takes less than two minutes, handle it immediately. This prevents the slow accumulation of small frictions.
The Mental Model
-
Identify Two-Minute Tasks
Notice when something can be handled quickly. -
Do It Immediately
Complete it right away instead of listing it. -
Close the Loop
Finish completely. Half-done tasks still create load. -
Return to Main Work
Clear the small thing, then refocus.
A Worked Example
You notice an email needing a quick yes or no. Instead of flagging it, you take 30 seconds to reply. That evening, your inbox has 12 fewer items. Your mental load feels lighter.
When to Apply
- Small tasks are piling up
- You procrastinate on tiny actions
- You want momentum without derailment
- Decision fatigue is building
When Not to Apply
- You're in deep focus
- The task is poorly defined
- Saying yes creates more problems
- You avoid harder work
Try This Once
For one day, handle every task under two minutes immediately.