In the very often non-tan-efficient search for efficiency we find more books, articles, podcasts, courses and tutorials along the way we can manage. It is even difficult to remember the keys to what we could follow. Too many stimuli.
However, There is a simple rule impossible to forget in the productivity environment. It is the two -minute rule, coined by David Allen in his Methodology for Time Management and Personal Productivity (GTD), collected in his book ‘Organize effectively‘.
Closing eyelashes in the brain
This rule proposes that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less we must do it immediately. What exceeds that duration must already be noted, processed, classified, etc. In our management system. But if so brief, you don’t have to waste a second to think about it, just do it.
This maxim has transformed my perception of productivity and time management. The beauty of this rule lies in its simplicity and its transformative potential.
When applying this rule I was surprised to discover how many small, accumulated tasks, they can become a mountain of stress and procrastination. A fast email, order a messy desk, respond to a message; All these are actions that, although small, weigh in our mind and distract our attention from more significant tasks.
This rule also teaches us about efficiency. When immediately addressing small tasks, we release mental space and energy that would otherwise be spent remembering and postponing these activities. It is a kind of economy of attention, where each small action performed is a step towards greater mental clarity and concentration.
However, like any tool, the two -minute rule has its risks. The main is the possibility of overwhelming us with minor tasks, losing sight of the biggest objectives. The classic sensation of completeness That transmits to complete small tasks, sometimes little transcendent, which makes us neglect the really important.
That is why it is crucial to use this rule within a broader framework of time management and priorities. It is not about doing everything that can be in two minutes, but about using the time to do what really matters and not accumulate pending that we could unblock.
This axiom is more than a simple productivity trick, it is An immediate action philosophy and efficient time management. In its application I have discovered not only greater productivity, but also a sense of control and achievement that transcends my task list. It is a small rule with an impact on work and life.
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Outstanding image | Xataka with Dall · E.
*An earlier version of this article was published in January 2024