A Two-Minute Start for When You’re Putting Things Off

When a task keeps getting pushed to later, you don’t have to decide how much you’ll finish today. A big label like “write the report” can make it hard to see where to begin.

Pick one action that takes about two minutes: open the document and add a title, find one file you need, or set out your shoes before a workout. Start a timer and do only that step.

If you still want to stop when the timer ends, you can. You’ve made the next step easier to see. If continuing feels okay, set another short timer and carry on. A small start won’t guarantee that you finish; it simply makes starting feel less heavy.

Think of one thing you’ve been putting off and ask, “What’s the first move I can make right now?” If the answer is something you can do with your hands, that’s your place to begin.