The 2 minute rule. A rule created and labeled by David Allen, which exposes the simplicity that forms the complexity of creating a solid and productive routine.

The rule establishes the following: "If it takes less than 2 minutes, start to do it without thinking."

Now, this can be dialed in for 'complex' tasks, or tasks that appear to take more time than others. What do I mean? Well, one example might be writing. It can be overwhelming to try to adopt the habit of writing in large quantities routinely. However, what if you do it for just 2 minutes, consistently for 'x' amount of days, weeks or months? You'll find yourself setting your new habit for success!

Why does this make it easier to adopt a habit? The hardest part of adopting new habits into our routines, is to apply them consistently. When consistency is absent, it occurs because we lack the sense of ownership of 'x' habit. We aren't able to view the new habit we're learning as something solidified into our routine. Here is where the 2 minute rule comes into play. See, the problem with applying habits, is that we don't build the foundation of 'consistency' properly. We don't take new habits seriously all the time. Practicing new habits for 2 minutes, every single day. can build the sense of ownership that you lack towards them.

'I don't know what to write about, and have a full page to fill.' Well, you can start by writing as many sentences as you can in just 2 minutes. Do that everyday, you will fill the page every day sooner than you think! By then, it will take more than 2 minutes, since the quantity will be higher, however, you will manage smoother than if you would've tried filling the whole page from day 1. The equivalent can occur with fitness, start by doing one exercise for 2 minutes each day. Soon enough, you'll be able to workout for 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, then 30 minutes, and so on and so forth. Another example, reading books can be overwhelming, since it usually takes time. Start reading 2 minutes every day, and slowly increase your threshold until you eventually surpass the 2 minute mark with a solid foundation of consistency.

Habits last longer in our lives, if we are consistent.

This rule is all about a trade-off, involving minimizing effort, and maximizing consistency. Tasks that take great efforts, usually require rest before performing them again. But if you minimize the effort required, you will be able to do them at higher frequencies. Simulteanously, increasing the effort over time will seem less overwhelming, and your sense of ownership towards the new habit you've adopted, will be well-founded in consistency!

We must remember, repetition is the mind's best ally for learning. Take small repetitions at first, and gradually increase the repetitions' intensity. Then, you'll find yourself performing your new habit intensely, consistently and ingeniously...

In short, the 2 minute rule emphasizes 2 things:

  1. Converting complex tasks into more simple ones by slicing them down to smaller versions.
  2. Trading less effort for more consistency.

Utilize the 2 minute rule wisely, and you can change your routine over time much, much faster than you might think.

Have a great rest of your week guys, take care!

-Aritz.