We’ve all been there—staring at a massive task and feeling too overwhelmed to even start. That’s where the Two-Minute Rule comes in. You might’ve heard the basic version: If something takes less than two minutes, just do it now. But here’s the real game-changer: you can use this rule to break procrastination on big tasks too.

How to make it work for you:

1. For tiny tasks (under 2 minutes):
   • Answer that email.
   • Put away that dish.
   • Toss your laundry in the hamper.
   • Just do it—right now.
2. For overwhelming tasks:
   • Tell yourself: “I’ll just do this for two minutes.”
   • Write the first sentence of your essay.
   • Read just one paragraph of your textbook.
   • Open your notes and skim for two minutes.

Why this actually works:

Starting is the hardest part. But once you begin, your brain naturally wants to keep going—this is called the Zeigarnik Effect, where your mind hates leaving things unfinished. The trick is getting over the mental block of starting.

The crazy part?

Most of the time, you won’t stop after two minutes. You’ll keep going because now, it doesn’t feel as impossible. Give it a shot right now—just two minutes. You might surprise yourself.