The Daily Glows

We’ve all been there—staring at a daunting task, feeling completely unmotivated to start. Whether it’s cleaning, writing, exercising, or answering emails, procrastination can keep us stuck in a cycle of avoidance and guilt. But what if there was a simple trick to break free? Enter the 10-Minute Rule—a powerful technique to overcome procrastination and get things done with minimal effort.

What Is the 10-Minute Rule?

The 10-Minute Rule is simple: Commit to working on a task for just 10 minutes. That’s it. No pressure to finish, no need to be perfect—just start. Once the 10 minutes are up, you can stop if you want. But more often than not, you’ll find yourself continuing.

Why Does It Work?

1. It Lowers Resistance
   Starting is the hardest part of any task. The idea of spending an hour on something can feel overwhelming, but committing to just 10 minutes feels doable.
2. It Tricks Your Brain
   Once you start, your brain naturally wants to finish. This is due to the Zeigarnik Effect, a psychological phenomenon where unfinished tasks create mental tension that pushes you to complete them.
3. It Builds Momentum
   Motivation follows action, not the other way around. Once you begin, you create momentum, making it easier to keep going.
4. It Reduces Perfectionism
   Procrastination is often rooted in perfectionism—the fear of not doing something “well enough.” The 10-Minute Rule removes this pressure, allowing you to start without overthinking.

How to Use the 10-Minute Rule in Daily Life

• Writing: Struggling to start a blog post, book, or report? Write for 10 minutes—no pressure, no edits.
• Exercise: Not in the mood to work out? Move for 10 minutes, whether it’s stretching, walking, or doing a few squats.
• Cleaning: Can’t face a messy house? Set a 10-minute timer and tidy up a small area.
• Studying: Feeling unmotivated to study? Focus on one subject for 10 minutes—you’ll likely continue.
• Emails & Tasks: Dreading your inbox? Answer emails for just 10 minutes, and suddenly, they feel more manageable.

When to Stop vs. Keep Going

If, after 10 minutes, you genuinely want to stop—stop! You’ve still made progress, and that’s a win. But often, you’ll find that once you’ve started, continuing feels easier than stopping.

Procrastination thrives on inaction. The 10-Minute Rule is a simple yet powerful way to break free from the cycle of avoidance and get things done. It’s not about willpower—it’s about making tasks feel easier and less intimidating.

So, what’s something you’ve been putting off? Try the 10-Minute Rule today—you might be surprised by how much you accomplish!