How to stop procrastination(for good)?

After reading this article, you’ll learn:

1. What is the 2 - minute rule.

2. Why it works.

3. When & how to use it.

Time is the most precious thing. You can make money, but not time.

One who manages his time well will have a better quality of life. So, we need systems to help us in this goal.

One such system is the 2 - minute rule. It looks deceptively simple, and you may think “what’s the point of this”?

The system was developed by David Allen in his book “Getting things done”.

When you remember a small task e.g. “text my girlfriend”

Don’t:

• Write it down

• Try to remember it

• Add it to your “to - do” list

Just do it. Now.

I use this rule all the time. It has helped me a lot.

You might be thinking, “this is dumb”. Not really. It works. Hear me out

Why this technique works

1. Completing the task takes less time than planning to complete it.

   Save yourself time by thinking “ok, where should I note this task down”.

2. Helps you start big tasks & complete smaller ones.

   Any project/ task can be broken down into smaller ones. This rule will help you start the first step of a larger project. Check out goblin.tools - an amazing website to help you get started.

3. Stop procrastination before it starts.

   When you’re disciplined to follow this, you don’t waste calories fighting the urge to NOT do anything. You just proceed.

4. It can be the start of a good habit.

   e.g. I can aim to write 1 sentence / day which can grow into a daily writing habit.

5. Small wins make you feel good.

   Ticking off items from a list makes me feel good. I feel like I accomplished something 🙂 

6. One less thing to do.

   Way to go with your productivity!

7. Free up your mind.

   Check out the Zeigarnik Effect.

However, be careful:

• Avoid context switching

• Don’t ever start multi tasking

• Don’t interrupt your deep work

Hope the 2 - minute rule will help you in daily life.

And if so, share the article with your friends and family.

Further reading

1. Avoiding procrastination in 3, 2, 1: Learn about the 2-minute rule.

2. How to Stop Procrastinating by Using the “2-Minute Rule”