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by Max Bennett
Sometimes, productivity advice feels like it was written by aliens who’ve never known the thrill of avoiding a to-do list by alphabetizing your spice rack. But not today, friend. Today, we’re diving into the Five-Minute Favor—a deceptively simple, wildly underrated, science-backed trick that not only makes you a better human but somehow makes you more productive in the process.
How? Let’s just say this post involves me running errands for neighbors, doing mini-tasks I’ve avoided for months, and enduring a mildly humiliating incident with a stuck ketchup cap. All in the name of science.
The rule is this: you commit to doing small favors—things that take five minutes or less—with no expectation of getting something in return. You can do it for yourself, others, the dog… whoever. It’s the “I got you” of productivity.
Coined by author and professor Adam Grant, the idea is that five-minute favors create social capital, boost your mood, and leave you feeling like a benevolent time wizard. That little dopamine boost? It fuels you to tackle your own tasks.
And let me tell you: it works. Almost too well.
I decided to test the five-minute favor method for a week, both at home and with friends/neighbors. Spoiler: I survived. Barely. Here’s what happened (complete with chaos, joy, and spilled coffee).
Favor: Replaced light bulb in the hallway I’d been avoiding for weeks.
Time: 3 minutes.
Mood afterward: Shockingly powerful. Like I could conquer the garage next.
This one small act spiraled into me finally vacuuming the hallway (because now I could see the dust), updating my to-do list, and sending that lingering email to my dentist. I know, what chaos.
Doing a five-minute favor for yourself can trick your brain into boosting its own momentum. It’s like the productivity gateway drug.
If you’re into acknowledging small wins (which you totally should be), you’ll love this deep dive into The Power of the Ta-Da List. It’s like this post’s enthusiastic cousin.
Favor: Took my neighbor’s trash bin to the curb when I noticed he forgot.
Time: 2.5 minutes.
Unexpected perk: Got a banana bread thank-you gift the next day. 🎉
Did I slightly use this as an excuse to procrastinate on writing? Maybe. But I also felt weirdly energized afterward.
There’s something about performing a helpful act that reframes your whole mood—from “Ugh I have 87 things to do” to “Hey, I did something good today!”
Plus, it gets you moving, which is priceless if you’re starting to resemble a tired kitten on Zoom.
Favor: Sent an encouraging voice note to a friend who’s been struggling with burnout.
Time: 4 minutes.
Feels?: All of them. But mostly gratitude (and a bit of guilt that I didn’t do it sooner).
Here’s the fascinating part: after sending that voice note, I knocked out my entire afternoon task block without scrolling social media once. Who even am I?
If your productivity tends to get hijacked by apps (guilty), check out Stop Doomscrolling: Hacks to Reclaim Your Time from Social Media Black Holes. Future you will thank you.
Well, Dr. Neuroscience-to-the-rescue, here’s the short version:
It’s Newtonian physics for people with anxiety: an object in motion stays in motion. And a human who sends a quick “thinking of you” text is more likely to finally open that dang spreadsheet.
Doing tiny favors builds emotional capital, and that often comes back when you need help. It’s not manipulation—it’s being the kind of human others want to help too.
Doing good feels good. Dopamine = motivation juice. Enough said.
Studies show that prosocial behavior (aka doing nice things for others) lights up the brain like you just found the last cookie in the jar. Except fewer crumbs.
Favor: Helped a teammate dig up a three-month-old document she lost in the folder chaos of our shared drive.
Time: 5 minutes.
Chaos scale: Moderate. The folder was a digital jungle.
Reward: She sent me bubble tea via delivery. I might cry.
Bonus? Once in the drive, I got distracted by my own scattered files and spent 15 minutes organizing them. Unintended productivity!
Related reading if your digital world is starting to resemble a post-apocalyptic Pinterest board: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Decluttering.
Favor: Unclogged a neighbor’s ketchup bottle during a BBQ using a paperclip. Public hero-level favor.
Time: 1 minute.
Embarrassment factor: 10/10. Got squirted.
Outcome: Laughed, made new friends, and got two new invites for local events.
Sometimes the favor isn’t about crushing your to-do list—sometimes it just makes your day more human.
And fun fact: that BBQ was a super eco-friendly one, reminding me of this gem from the archives: Eco-Friendly Summer BBQ Hacks for a Sustainable Sizzle. Maybe I’ll bring glass straws to the next one!
You don’t need a spreadsheet. You don’t need an app. You just need five minutes and the tiniest dash of good vibes. Here’s how:
Consider writing it somewhere like a Ta-Da List. You’ll be shocked how motivating this tracking can be.
Notice how one tiny act leads to a wave of focus? Ride it. Use it. Bask in the productive afterglow.
I dare you to do five 5-minute favors this week:
If one turns into a full clean-out of your closet or inspires you to finally, finally clean those cup holders (looking at you: Declutter Your Car), I’ll consider my job done.
Try it this week and tag us on Instagram @mysimple.life.official. I want to see your five-minute favor adventures—with or without ketchup explosions.
To recap: the Five-Minute Favor isn’t just about being nice. It’s about using kindness, momentum, and micro-action to transform the way your brain approaches productivity.
Five minutes. Zero pressure. Big impact.
And who knows? Maybe someday you’ll be the one unclogging someone else’s ketchup bottle—hero cape optional.
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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