How to Reach Your Goals 2 Minutes at a Time

When it comes to working on my to-do list, the 2 Minute Rule is my go to guide. What do I mean by the 2 Minute Rule?

When I am working through my to-do list, I assess how long each task will take. If the task takes 2 minutes or less, I tackle it immediately. There is no point in putting it off if I can take care of it right away.

Here are a few examples of tasks that fall under the 2 Minute Rule:

• When reading through my email each morning, I decide what to do with each email immediately. I either delete it, file it, or mark it for action. If the action just requires a quick response, I do it right then.
• Most of the mail we receive these days are bills or junk mail. When the mail arrives, I open and toss any junk mail that I can. If it is an invitation or information about an event I want to attend, I mark down the pertinent info in my planner. Usually I toss the invitation, but on occasion I file it away in my mailbox in our laundry room. That way I can refer to it if I’m unsure about something.
• Sometimes I need to make an appointment with my doctor, hair stylist, dentist, or some other service professional. Those phone calls take very little time to make, so I try to take care of them as soon as possible. I have very few of these to make during any given month, so I don’t worry about scheduling a time to take care of them. I just make the calls.
• I’m really trying to get into the habit of always putting things back where they belong. Mainly this would be craft supplies or things that need to go upstairs in our home. I try to take something with me to put away each time I leave a room. Instead of scheduling time each day to take care of putting these things away, I work on it a little bit each day.

Lately I’ve been thinking about ways to move forward on my goals more quickly. After considering how I use the 2 Minute Rule for day-to-day tasks, I realized I could apply this same rule to working on my goals.

Here are two ways I plan to utilize the 2 Minute Rule in reaching my goals:

1. Determining the steps needed to reach a goal.

When you set goals you want them to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Once you set a goal, though, you need to think through the steps needed to reach the goal. Sometimes this can be a daunting task.

Take 2 minutes to brain storm what needs to be done. 2 minutes may not seem like a long time, but I promise you can get a lot thought out if you will commit to concentrate for that length of time.

2. Completing the 2 minute tasks.

Once you’ve determined the action steps needed to complete your goal, you will have a clear list of what needs to be done. Scan through your list and tackle those 2 minute tasks right away.

For example, some of my goals involve making a phone call or sending an email. When I look of my list of tasks to complete those goals, I make the phone calls or send the emails right away. Often when I get a couple of these 2 minute tasks completed, it inspires me to tackle more lengthy or difficult tasks.

If you’re feeling stuck on reaching a goal, I encourage you to give the 2 Minute Rule a try. Just think, you could reach your goals 2 minutes at a time!