Instant Action Rule

David Allen's 2-Minute Rule is ruthlessly practical: when a task crosses your mind or arrives in your inbox, ask one question — "Can I finish this in 2 minutes or less?" If yes, do it now.

Tasks people commonly put off, even though each takes under two minutes:

• Replying to a short email
• Filing a document
• Making a quick phone call
• Putting dishes in the dishwasher
• Scheduling an appointment

Each one seems trivial alone. But a stack of undone 2-minute tasks becomes a stack of open loops, and every loop quietly drains a little mental energy. Clearing them on the spot keeps your head clear and your stress low.