The 1-Minute Rule
January 13, 2023
To Inspire:
While I don’t make a lot of “official” New Year’s Resolutions, being a little more organized and having a little less clutter is always a goal. So, I couldn’t resist checking out something called the 1-minute rule, which some people claim can make your life easier.
Here is the 1-minute rule: If a task will take you a minute or less to complete, do it as soon as you realize it needs done. Right now, no excuses.
As with most things, consistency is the key to success, but once you commit to hanging up that coat, sending that quick email, folding that load of towels, or any of the other small but nagging things that need to get done, the results will be worth it.
You might find you have increased productivity, or a cleaner house – and getting the little things done quickly opens up more time for bigger projects or guilt-free down time.
You might also find a you have a less cluttered brain. The Zeigarnik effect explains why uncompleted tasks take up so much space in your head. Our brains are wired to remind us about tasks and upcoming obligations and only stop reminding us when we’ve scheduled or completed what we need to do. For many people, these endless mental reminders can add up to a lot of stress.
Inc.com writer Jessica Stillman said, “…which is why folding my socks only takes a minute, but the thought of having to fold my socks haunts me all day. (And also why I often write a to-do list, feel calmer, and then forget about it completely.)” Ask my husband how many lists I write and never look at again. My brain needs the 1-minute rule.
Following this rule means you can knock these small tasks out quickly, before they pile up, bringing – hopefully – some serenity.
If reading this reminds you of all the little things you currently need to do, join me in giving the 1-minute rule a try. More productivity and less physical – and mental – clutter would be a huge boost to our great lives!
Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications