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by Max Bennett
If a task takes less than a minute, do it now.
That line changed the game for me. It’s deceptively simple—like “eat your vegetables” or “don’t text your ex.” And yet, just like those, it’s the doing that’s hard… or in my case, hilariously avoided.
But after battling my ever-growing clutter pile (both physical and existential), I decided to test this magical rule to see if it could actually stop the slow descent into chaos. Spoiler: it involved fewer dramatic cleanouts and more ninja-speed wins than I expected.
Let’s break this down and see how you can use the One-Minute Rule to trick your brain into staying organized—with minimal effort and zero life overhauls.
“If it takes less than a minute, do it now.”
Here’s a fun fact: your brain loves finishing things. Quick wins release feel-good brain candy (also known as dopamine), and that tiny buzz actually helps you keep going. So yes—hanging your coat right now instead of draping it on the chair (you know the one) can cause a full-on productivity ripple effect.
Basically, you are jumpstarting momentum without pulling a productivity hamstring.
Also, a lot of our mental clutter doesn’t come from big projects. It’s the annoying tiny tasks that pile up like digital dust bunnies: reply to that two-sentence email, toss the junk mail, put the lid on the peanut butter jar (seriously, why is it always off?).
For one week, every time I noticed a task that could be done in under a minute, I had to do it immediately. No mental negotiation. No “I’ll do it later.” Just go full Nike mode.
Here are some real-life “missions” from my week:
Each of these tasks genuinely took 60 seconds or less. Some even took half that time. But collectively, they made my space look less like a “before” photo.
Let’s be real: “clean the garage” doesn’t suddenly become a one-minute task just because you opened the door and stared into the abyss for 45 seconds. The One-Minute Rule is not sorcery. It’s just great for:
Beware of “disguised” micro-tasks that are secretly bottomless time pits. If a job smells like scope creep, save it for another time block.
This was the surprise bonus. I didn’t realize how many mental tabs I was keeping open with these small tasks.
When I just did them—bam! Brain RAM freed up.
Instead of worrying about replying to the admin email, I replied in 45 seconds. Gone.
Instead of side-eyeing my shower shelf every day, I just tossed the two empty shampoo bottles. Done and done.
It started to feel like I had folded space and time just by doing less… later.
Here’s how this rule sneakily made my life simpler across different zones of chaos:
Bonus read: Declutter Your Kitchen Counters: How to Stop Living in Appliance Jenga
If you want to go deeper here, check out The Post-It Avalanche: How to Actually Use Sticky Notes for Good (Not Chaos)
Turns out, the One-Minute Rule isn’t really about speed—it’s about friction. You’re reducing the effort barrier. You remove “tiny tasks” from the land of “Things I Might Eventually Do Under Duress” and put them into the effortless column. ✨
The less friction between you and something completed, the more energy you have for creative, meaningful stuff. Like finally starting that side hustle, or just watching a movie without 42 back-of-head nagging thoughts interrupting.
Stack the One-Minute Rule with Micro-Habits for unexpected transformation. One small habit + one tiny task = unstoppable you.
Ready to try the One-Minute Rule out for yourself—but without committing to a full transformation week just yet? Here’s a fun quick-start challenge.
For the next 48 hours: Every time you spot a task that will take under 60 seconds, DO IT. Hang the jacket. Reply to the message. Throw out the expired yogurt.
Then… notice:
You can even track your completed micro-tasks in a Ta-Da List to give yourself a well-deserved ego boost.
Share your One-Minute transformation moments with us on Instagram! Use the tag #mysimpleminute so we can cheer you on.
The One-Minute Rule is pure magic wrapped in simplicity. It:
Try it. Tweak it. Stack it with other micro-habits. And most importantly: keep it light and fun. You’re not striving for perfection—you’re training your brain to pick low-hanging fruit before it ferments.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I just noticed my backpack on the floor. One minute, here I come.
Max Bennett
Max was once the king of procrastination, proudly sporting a "Deadline Enthusiast" badge. After realizing he spent more time organizing his desk than actually working, he dove headfirst into the world of productivity. Max now experiments with unconventional (and sometimes ridiculous) productivity hacks and shares what works—with plenty of laughs along the way.
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