2 Minute Rule

More than the actual task of doing something, it is getting yourself to make a start that is often the problem.

It was the start of the new week this morning, and as per my usual routine, it was the day to run for 1 hour. However, from the moment I woke up and got out of my bed, my mind kept telling me- take a break, take a break today. You have more important work to do. It won’t matter. You can get back to running tomorrow.

Thankfully, I am a big follower of James Clear’s 2 Minute Rule, and I could stick to my commitment to myself. So I did my 1 hour morning run.

2 Minute Rule

Typically, there would be no habits you wish to focus on in your daily lives that would take less than 2 minutes. But, you can start any habit in under 2 minutes.

• You want to read a book for 30 minutes or read ten pages every day. The habit in itself takes some time. But, the start point would be to pick up the book. Picking up a book that you wish to read will take less than 2 minutes.

• It’s the same with exercising. I have a habit of running for 1 hour. But the process of getting started on my routine to run involves wearing my shoes. This takes less than 2 minutes.

• Another example. You want to develop a habit of meditating daily for 20 minutes. The process of starting your daily practice involves placing the mat and sitting cross-legged on it. This takes less than 2 minutes.

The motivation to do something only comes after you make a start, not before. We think motivation is something we must have before we do the work-this is an incorrect assumption. Motivation will always come as a result of making that start.

Think of it like starting the car. When the engine is switched off, the car will not move. So to drive the car, you have to start the engine. This takes just a few seconds. Once you start the engine, moving the car forward is simple.

The 2-minute rule is like the ignition to your car. It helps you start the engine of your habit to help you move forward. Focus on making a start to any task you are pursuing. The rest will follow. It’s that easy.

56 minutes-8 km was my score for the day.