The two-minute rule

If something takes less than two minutes, skip creating a task and simply do it now. Creating it, placing it in a quadrant and reviewing it again would take more time than the action itself.

This rule comes from David Allen’s GTD method. Two minutes is a guideline: if organising an action costs more time than completing it, it is better to do it.

When to use it

When processing incoming items: send a short reply, share a promised file or confirm a meeting.

Do not apply the rule in the middle of demanding work. Collect small actions and handle them during breaks to protect your concentration.

Connection to the first step

If the first step of a larger task takes less than two minutes, there is no need to create a separate task for it either – simply start. For example, open a template and type the headings. Keep the larger task in your plan.

Example

While reviewing your inbox, you see a request for a file that is already ready. Send it now: creating a card and marking it complete would take longer than the action.

In Plynno

Not every action needs a card. Keep tasks you need to return to on your list. If a quick action is the first step of a larger task, do it without a separate subtask and keep the main card.

Try this now

During your next inbox review, find one action under two minutes and complete it without creating a card.

Source

• Allen, D. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. The two-minute rule in GTD.