The One Minute Rule That Could Change Your Life

Alright, listen up. I’ve been holding onto a little nugget of wisdom that could seriously revolutionize your life. Yes, you read that right. I’m talking full-on life makeover, and the best part? It’s ridiculously simple.

It’s called the “One Minute Rule,” and I first stumbled upon this gem thanks to Gretchen Rubin, the queen of practical, no-nonsense advice for living a better life. (Shout out to all my fellow super-fans!) So here it is: if a task can be done in one minute or less, DO IT NOW. Yep, right now. Don’t even think about it, just get it done.

Sounds too easy, right? That’s the beauty of it. These little tasks—putting away your keys, closing the cabinet, folding that laundry—pile up fast. Before you know it, you’re drowning in clutter, tripping over shoes, and wondering how your space turned into a disaster zone. Trust me, I was the worst offender. On any given day, my home could’ve been mistaken for a war zone of socks, shoes, unopened mail, and a purse that had somehow become a permanent part of the floor decor.

But let me tell you, when I started applying the One Minute Rule, it was like a switch flipped. Suddenly, my space wasn’t just a little neater, it was a whole vibe. My anxiety levels? Down. My productivity? Up. And my general sense of having-it-togetherness? Sky high.

So, what’s the secret sauce behind this deceptively simple rule? It’s all about momentum. Once you start knocking out those one-minute tasks, you’re setting off a chain reaction of productivity and peace of mind. It’s like a mini high-five from your future self every time you hang up that coat or stash away the groceries. (Not to mention, you get the joy of crossing something off your to-do list, and let’s be real—that’s always a win.)

“Keeping all those small, nagging tasks under control has the power to make you more serene and less overwhelmed.”   – Gretchen Rubin

Why This Rule is Pure Magic

Let’s dig a little deeper here. The reason this rule works so well isn’t just about having a cleaner space (though trust me, that alone is worth it). The real power is in how these tiny actions clear your mental clutter. You know that feeling when your place is a mess, and it’s low-key stressing you out, even if you’re pretending it doesn’t bother you? Yeah, this rule crushes that feeling.

By staying on top of these bite-sized tasks, you’re giving your brain fewer reasons to feel overwhelmed. It’s the ultimate sneaky hack for feeling like an absolute boss in your own life.

So How Do You Get Started?

It’s simple. Start with something easy. Here are a few ideas to kick things off:

• Email Triage: Fire off those quick responses to emails. Even if it’s just “Got it, thanks!” you’ll feel lighter when your inbox isn’t full of nagging, unread messages.
• Household Chores: Pick up your shoes, toss the blanket back on the couch, and wipe down the countertops. One minute per task, people. That’s all it takes.
• Pet Cleanup: Brush your dog, scoop the litter box, refill the food bowl—small but effective ways to keep your space (and your furry friends) in check.

Want to turn it into a game? Set a timer for 60 seconds and see just how many little things you can knock out in that time. It’s oddly satisfying, trust me.

No More Excuses

The best part of the One Minute Rule is that it leaves no room for excuses. Too busy? Too tired? Please. We all have 60 seconds. You’re not too swamped to hang up a coat or file away a single piece of paper. The rule forces you to stop procrastinating, even on the tiniest things. And before you know it, you’ve built a habit that keeps you organized and feeling in control.

Let’s be real—none of us have time for life clutter. But with the One Minute Rule, you’ll be amazed at how much smoother things can run. So go ahead, put your shoes away, hang that dress back in the closet, and maybe even gasp respond to that email you’ve been avoiding.

The bottom line? If you can do it in under a minute, just do it now. Don’t wait. It’s a tiny effort with massive returns.

Now go get your life together—one minute at a time.