2-Minute Rule · Task Breakdown · Just Start
| Fact | Implication |
|---|---|
| Starting is the hardest part | Motivation follows action, not the reverse |
| Your brain avoids discomfort | The pain of STARTING is worse than doing it |
| 2-Minute Rule (James Clear) | If a task takes <2 min, do it now. Otherwise, start for 2 min. |
| Zeigarnik Effect | Unfinished tasks nag your brain — starting provides relief |
| Temptation bundling | Pair unpleasant task with something enjoyable |
| Technique | How | Works For |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Minute Start | Commit to just 2 minutes | Any task |
| Task Shrinking | Make task absurdly small | Overwhelm |
| Temptation Bundling | Listen to podcast ONLY while doing task | Boring tasks |
| Implementation Intent | "At [TIME] I will [TASK] at [PLACE]" | Vague plans |
| Body Double | Work alongside someone (even virtually) | Focus issues |
| Eat the Frog | Do the hardest thing first | Avoidance |