
27 Feb How to Let Go of Procrastination Using the Two-Minute Rule
HOW TO LET GO OF PROCRASTINATION USING THE TWO-MINUTE RULE

All of us put off tasks from time to time. Whether it’s something big like preparing for an exam or something as simple as sending an email – we can fall into the trap of procrastination.
It can be an incredibly hard habit to break. Even worse, it leads to guilt, stress, and frustration. So in this article, we will discuss the 2-minute rule on how to let go of procrastination and gain control of your day.
But, the rule states:
The trick to creating a new habit is to complete it in around 2 minutes or less.
It sounds simple. But it can be difficult to pull off if you’re habitual in delaying your work and tasks. So let’s look at the issue before looking at how to execute the 2-minute rule.
Why do we procrastinate?
There’s more to procrastination than putting something off.
We all know what it’s like to procrastinate. You’re supposed to be working on an important project but find yourself scrolling through social media instead. But why do we do this?
So why do we procrastinate when it causes a delay? The truth is procrastination looks and feels different for everyone. But here are a couple of problems that might be influencing it:
- The trouble with time management
- Fear of failure
- Willing to do everything perfectly
- No interest in the subject
- Low self-esteem or self-confidence
Each of the above factors can affect your motivation. You might ask, “Why should I bother completing the task if it doesn’t turn out well anyway?” You can catch a hint of low self-confidence right there.
That’s just one example. Knowing the reason behind your procrastination can help you get better at organizing. Regardless of what’s causing it, the tips below can help you put the 2-minute rule into action and strike tasks off quickly.

How to put the two-minute rule into action
1. Keep a list of tasks and strike them off one by one.
Don’t overthink, and do it.
You must finish tasks as soon as you write them on your list. It is the first step toward becoming more productive and organized.
- Assure all your tasks are listed on paper
- Allocate 2 minutes to every job you want to get done
Doing so can help prevent procrastination, increase efficiency, and prioritize tasks optimally. If you’ve got a difficult topic to cover for your exam, break it down into smaller sections.
2. Break down large tasks into smaller chunks.
Big tasks can only be completed once and if broken down into smaller ones.
How can you finish large tasks in 2 minutes? You can’t – and this realization is what can get you started. If the math homework is getting the best of you, take it chapter-by-chapter or one step at a time for every question.
Making it a habit of finishing tasks right away can be difficult, especially if you have several projects that must be completed simultaneously. However, with proper planning and organization, you will reach milestones faster than before and complete tasks more easily.
Start by writing down all the tasks you need to do in order of importance. For each one, ask yourself: “Can I do this in two minutes or less?” If the answer is yes, do it immediately. If not, break it down into smaller chunks and take those on one at a time until the job is complete.
3. Plan according to your strengths and weaknesses
You need to adjust your approach considering the task at hand.
Not all tasks are the same. Each will require extra attention, planning, and effort from your end. A classic example would be that you find one subject easier than another at school. As a result, you would need to spend more time preparing for your history exam than your English exam (hypothetical situation).
You acknowledge the extra effort it would take to prepare for your history exam. This simple realization becomes the driving force behind your planning better. Have the result in mind to make adjustments according to your desired outcome.

Benefits of getting things done in 2 minutes
Give yourself time to adjust to the new method of getting things done. You’ll notice some of the following benefits as you start getting better at it:
- Make more time for hobbies and relaxation
- More work-life or school-life balance
- It can help boost morale and confidence
- Get better at something you like (writing, painting, etc.).
All in all, completing tasks can help you feel more confident in yourself and your work.
Tips to Stay Consistent at Completing Tasks in 2 minutes
Remove distractions as much as possible. Setting your priorities can help you get the job done quickly and easily.
- Keep a physical or digital notebook handy
- Assign priority tags to every task you write down
- Adjust your plans according to the difficulty of the job at hand
Remember, it’s all about completing tasks that can be done quickly. And it’s also about breaking down large-scale jobs into tiny achievable actions.
Takeaway: Use two minutes to get things done
So applying the 2-minute rule and developing new habits against procrastination is simple. Break down big tasks into smaller chunks. Then make sure you’ve got your priorities set straight.
Start with striking off the most important job and move on to the next one only when you’re done with the previous ones. It’s an effective method to get things done or form new habits, so don’t overthink – do it.
References:
Why do we procrastinate?
https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/Assets/Articles/procrastination

Craig Selinger

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