The 10-Minute Rule: How to Overcome Procrastination by Starting Small

Let’s say you are the kind of person who wants to complete a task at the last minute. And, you end up not completing the work, this is what procrastination is. It could lead to stress, missed deadlines, and a constant sense of being overwhelmed. While there are several ways to overcome this problem, I will share the most popular method known as the “10-Minute Rule”. This concept is very simple but very effective.

Why the 10-Minute Rule Works

The psychology of this concept is very straightforward. Sometimes, we may be faced with a big daunting task, and our brain often focuses on the effort and the time it will take. This is what can make us avoid the task. By committing just 10 minutes, the task seems to be more manageable, reducing the mental resistance to getting started. Once you've started, you're more likely to continue beyond the initial 10 minutes.

How to Use the 10-Minute Rule

1. Identify the Task: First of all, select a task that you’ve been avoiding. For example, writing an email, cleaning your space, or maybe starting a workout.

2. Set a Timer: Set a timer and decide to do it for only 10 minutes. It’s better to set a timer to keep yourself focused.

3.  Focus on Starting, Not Finishing: Just focus on simply starting the task. It is not necessary to complete the task. Tell yourself that you can stop after 10 minutes.

4. Build Momentum: Even if you stop after 10 minutes, you've made progress, which can reduce the anxiety around the task.

The Benefits of the 10-Minute Rule

Reduces Overwhelm: Breaking tasks into smaller ones is more manageable, and makes them feel less intimidating.

Builds Habitual Action: Regularly starting tasks can help you build a habit of action. It may help you reduce future procrastination.

Increases Productivity: If you regularly engage in short bursts of your focused work. It can help you to accomplish more over time.

Enhanced Motivation: Seeing all these small progress, can boost your motivation to continue.

The next time you find yourself procrastinating, try the 10-minute Rule. You might be surprised at how much you can achieve by simply starting small.

One thing I should tell you about this technique is that it is similar to the “2-Minute Rule” popularized by David Allen in his book Getting Things Done. However, the 10-minute concept has been widely shared and adopted in various forms by different productivity experts and enthusiasts. It is a simple but powerful tool that anyone can use to overcome procrastination.

Thanks for reading this and please share this concept with your procrastinator friends.