The 2 minute rule.

I think we all have these lists of tasks that would not take long to complete at all, yet we always leave them to the last minute. These tasks are an inconvenient necessity of daily like.

The way I tackle those is by employing the 2 minute rule: it it takes less than 2 minutes to complete, I get it done straight away.

I apply it in a variety of areas of my life. House admin, for instance. Incoming and outgoing mail, bills, orders of toiletries. Nothing major and intellectually demanding, but in the past I would so often avoid dealing with these tasks. By employing the 2 minute rule, I get things done promptly, avoiding a backlog that can overwhelm. Every day I check my mailbox when I get back from work and I deal with any correspondence straight away. 2 minutes is enough time to skim through the letters, recycle the envelopes and possible file some of the papers so that I deal with them later. Paying bills or council tax doesn't take long, but in the past I would constantly put it off, now I just get it done.

I do still have extended times each month for 'house admin' when I make sure my finances are in order, check insurance policies and deal with utilities. But for the most part I handle things as and when they come.

The 2 minute rule can also be applied to household chores. I am not particularly fond of packing my dishwasher, but it does only take about 2 minutes to do it. Same with taking the rubbish out, wiping down the table and the counters.

Also at work, the 2 minute rule helps me to get on with little tasks straight away rather than waiting for a better moment. Trimming worksheets, arranging exercise books, cleaning the whiteboard. Little tasks that can be completed straight after a class, without putting it off until just before the next group of pupils arrive.

I found that I am less overwhelmed by small tasks when I deal with them promptly. I won't fill up my day with 2 minute jobs, but I will generally just get it done. It's easier and gives me more uninterrupted time to deal with what's important and what requires more effort.