2-Minute Rule

The 2-Minute Rule is a friction-reduction strategy with two complementary uses:

1. Triage: When processing inboxes, if something takes less than 2 minutes, do it now instead of tracking or deferring it. This prevents micro-tasks from accumulating into mental overhead, reduces context fragmentation and keeps your system clean.
2. Habit Starter: When you're resisting a bigger task, commit to just two minutes of a "starter" version. Once you begin, momentum often carries you beyond the initial friction.

The rule pairs well with task batching and weekly planning: batch true 2-minute items into short admin blocks and use 2-minute starters to bridge into focus work.
Applied consistently, it improves follow-through, lowers procrastination and increases trust in your planning system. It is not about rushing; it's about eliminating trivial delays that create clutter and cognitive load.