The 2 minute rule
Same name, 2 different rules. Both work. They fix different problems.
Shrink the habit
When you start a new habit, it should take less than 2 minutes. "Do 30 minutes of yoga" becomes "take out my yoga mat". Master showing up first. Grow it later.
James Clear · chapter 13 is the 1 to read
Fixes: habits you never start.
Just do it now
If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it the moment you notice it. Writing it down and tracking it would take longer than doing it.
David Allen, Getting Things Done
Fixes: small tasks that pile up.
Try it today · tap each step when done
Done for today. That counts. Tomorrow, do the same 2 minutes again.
Reader results
Testing opens with the first readers.
Start your 30-day test below. On day 30 you tell us if you kept it, and this panel shows how many readers did.
Test it for 30 days
Tap each day you did your 2 minutes. Saved on this device.
Day 30: did you keep it?
Quick answers
What is the 2 minute rule?
There are 2. In Atomic Habits, James Clear says a new habit should take under 2 minutes to start. In Getting Things Done, David Allen says any task under 2 minutes should be done right away.
Which 2 minute rule should I use?
Use James Clear's version for habits you never start. Use David Allen's for small tasks that pile up. They solve different problems, so you can use both.
Pairs well with
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