Beat Procrastination With a 2-Minute Start

What it is

Starting is the hardest part. Commit to just 2 minutes — often you continue once momentum builds.

When to use it

Use when you keep delaying a task you know you should do.

How to do it

1. Set a timer for 2 minutes.
2. Open materials and do the smallest possible step.
3. When the timer ends, decide: continue or take a short break.

Common mistakes

• Waiting for motivation before starting.
• Making the first step too big (e.g. “finish entire essay”).
• Punishing yourself after a slow start instead of restarting.

Your 1-minute action

Start your most avoided task for 2 minutes right now.