Why does nobody talk about the 'two minute rule' for small chores?

I kept putting off tiny things like putting a dish away or hanging up a coat, letting them pile up. My friend in Omaha said if a task takes under two minutes, just do it right then. I tried it for a week, and my kitchen counter is actually clear for once. Has anyone else found a simple trick like this that actually stuck?

3 comments

3 Comments

mary_kelly3mo ago

My grandmother in Galway always said a stitch in time saves nine. She was right about the small things. I started putting my reading glasses back in their case instead of leaving them on the arm of the sofa. It takes ten seconds and I haven't lost them in a month.

tarac161mo ago

Got this one down cold. @mary_kelly you're spot on about the glasses thing, I used to just toss mine on the nightstand and then spend 20 minutes patting down the bed every morning. Now I make myself put them in the drawer right next to the lamp, takes two seconds and zero stress. Same trick works for my wallet too, I used to leave it in my coat pocket then panic when I needed it. Now I just drop it in the same bowl by the door before I even take my coat off. Small habit shifts like this really do save you from losing your mind later.

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kaiblack3mo ago

Totally get this. I have a bad habit of putting my keys on the nearest flat surface instead of the hook by the door. Then I spend five frantic minutes every morning looking for them. The two minute rule saved me from turning my entire apartment into a key-hiding obstacle course. Now if I can just apply it to the random socks that never make it to the hamper.