Sometimes the smallest actions have the greatest impact.
This is true about getting through so many of the small tasks that we are faced with each day. Interestingly, polishing off a bunch of small, quickly done tasks can energize us and motivate us to handle the larger, more mentally taxing projects that need to get done.
This philosophy can be applied successfully at both work and home.
WORK
When you set aside time to sort through emails, identify those that simply require a short response. Using the 2-minute rule, take care of the quick and easy emails and save the more thoughtful responses for later. It is also a quick task to delegate emails that need to be addressed by a colleague.
WORD OF CAUTION
Like anything, the 2-minute rule should be used in moderation. It is not difficult to imagine spending an entire day completing small, two-minute tasks and never getting the real, challenging work done!
HOME
One of my favorite examples of the 2-minute rule is getting into the habit of hanging up your coat. I have a large family (6 of us total.)
Can you imagine what it would look like if everyone came in from outside and simply dropped their jacket on the kitchen floor? Even if they put their coats on the back of the kitchen chairs... What a mess!
Hanging your coat up, every time you come inside, is a habit that takes less than two minutes but makes your space look considerably better with very little effort. This is especially true if you get your entire household on board!
What other small, useful tasks at work or at home would fall under the 2-Minute rule?
Hi, I'm Sharon Danzger and I founded Control Chaos in 2006. As a productivity consultant, I provide group training and individual coaching.
My diverse background in financial services, non-profits, and small business enables me to offer a unique perspective on finding efficiency and balance. I tailor my approach to be industry specific and culturally focused based on my actual work and client experience.
I spent the early part of my career in financial services working for The Prudential Insurance Company of America. I spent time in a variety of areas including commercial real estate, underwriting, corporate social responsibility, and group insurance.
My work with non-profits has ranged from leadership development, governance, and training to financial analysis and oversight of an $18 MM budget.
I hold a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MS in Real Estate from New York University. I am also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).
I have earned a Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). Recently I completed Monash University's "Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance," University of Virginia Darden School's "Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management," University of Pennsylvania Wharton School's "Contagious," and University of Michigan's "Inspiring and Motivating Individuals." I am a lifelong learner and am always looking for ways to learn and grow.