The Two-Minute Rule is a decision-making principle from David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology: If an action takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately when you encounter it, rather than adding it to your task list.
"If it takes less than two minutes, do it now."
This applies when you're:
- Processing email
- Reviewing your inbox
- Going through collected items
- Encountering new tasks
Reduces System Overhead Tracking a two-minute task takes more time than doing it.
Prevents Accumulation Small tasks pile up quickly if deferred, creating overwhelming lists.
Maintains Flow Quickly clearing small items maintains processing momentum.
Reduces Decision Fatigue No decisions about when/how to schedule the task.
Creates Progress Immediately completing tasks provides satisfaction and motivation.
Use the Two-Minute Rule when:
- Processing email inbox
- Reviewing physical inbox
- Going through collected notes and items
- Someone asks for quick information
- You notice a small task that needs doing
- Replying to simple emails
- Filing a document
- Making a quick phone call
- Scheduling a meeting
- Sending a text message
- Adding item to shopping list
- Responding to Slack message
- Paying a bill online
- Watering a plant
- Hanging up coat
- Cleaner Lists - Task lists contain only meaningful actions
- Less Tracking - Fewer items to manage in your system
- Immediate Results - Visible progress from quick completions
- Reduced Friction - Less overhead in system maintenance
- Better Energy - Small wins create positive momentum
Essential for:
- Anyone using Getting Things Done methodology
- People with many small tasks throughout the day
- Those who struggle with cluttered task lists
- Individuals wanting to reduce system overhead
- Anyone processing high volumes of inputs