When it comes to getting things done, there are tasks that take only a few minutes and there are tasks that take several hours. Both take up space on a to-do list and as a result, both create a sense of a lot of things that need to get done. Today, we’re going to discuss those tasks that only take a few minutes but can be uncomfortable, like calling to make an appointment or sending an email.
For all of you anxiety-fueled procrastinators out there, putting off these tasks might feel good at the moment because you are avoiding doing something you don’t like. But, having things you need to do, especially things that are uncomfortable, creates stress which in the long run can drain away energy.
This is where the two-minute rule comes in. If there’s anything on your mental to-do list that takes around two minutes to complete, then you should do it immediately. This way, the uncomfortable task is done and you can move more peacefully through the rest of your day. If you happen to have several of these tasks that have been stacking up for a while, and they are the type of things that you are uncomfortable with, make a point to do one of them a day until the list is back under control. That way, getting them done is no longer a matter of if you will do it, it becomes a matter of when.
If there’s anything on your mental to-do list that takes around two minutes to complete, then you should do it immediately. This way, the uncomfortable task is done and you can move more peacefully through the rest of your day.
You can do anything for two minutes
Here’s a shoutout to all my fellow flybabies. The FlyLady always talks about how you can do anything for 15 minutes when it comes to taking care of a home. Well, when it comes to things that cause anxiety, I encourage you to follow the two-minute rule. Tell yourself that you can do anything for two minutes, and then go for it.
Each time you are successful in completing a stress-causing two-minute task, take a moment to celebrate and also reflect on how much actual stress you experienced vs. the stress that it caused by putting the task off. I guarantee you that doing it was far easier than you built it up in your mind to be.
Teaching kids the power of doing it now
As my kiddos move up through the school system, the things that their teachers ask them to do grow more and more complicated. Often, my kid will say something like, “Oh, I’ll do that later,” or “It’s not due for a few more days.” At times like this, I challenge them to think about what the first step of the project needs to be and to assign a time when it makes the most sense to get it done. If it’s an assignment that will only take a few minutes, I encourage them to sit down and get it done so they can relax knowing that it’s already turned in.
Does this work? Some of the time. It’s the message that’s most important. Do the easy or fast things now and get them done so you can relax later. The more they hear it, the more likely it will stick.
Discussion Question: What are you putting off that only takes a few minutes?
