What is the 10-minute rule and how does it help you get things done?

There is an unusual rule in the UK parliamentTen Minute Rule Bills / UK Parliament to introduce a draft law, which is also called a bill, - the rule of 10 minutes. That is how much time a deputy has to offer his idea. After that, the House of Commons decides whether to pass the bill for discussion or not, and it either passes the first reading or is eliminated.

A short period of time like 10 minutes can be used to improve your own productivity. But first we need to figure out why we generally tend to postpone things until later.

Why is it difficult for us to get down to business

Scientifically Procrastination Is a BattleThe Science Behind Procrastination / UPMC Health Beat between our limbic system and the prefrontal cortex.

The limbic system is responsible for the "fight or flight" instinct inherent in our ancestors. In terms of productivity, it is expressed in the desire to succumb to emotions and temptations. This is the same voice that says: "Come on, you will do everything tomorrow, let's better watch the series." In contrast, the prefrontal cortex helps us set goals and plan behavior.

However, it is often the limbic system that is the winner, which prompts us to procrastinate and choose momentary pleasure. The rule of 10 minutes will help to fix this.

How the rule works

Its main goal is to trick the limbic system into coaxing itself into working on a task. To do this, you need to focus not on the result, but on dedication, avoid unnecessary planning and reflection.

You don't have to tell yourself that you will read an entire chapter of the book - tell yourself that you will read exactly 10 minutes. Don't tell yourself to run a kilometer, decide to just run for 10 minutes.

This method works like a clock for one simple reason - as soon as you start doing something, most likely you will forget about the time. When we do not want to do something, we imagine that the task is much more difficult than it really is. But as soon as we take on it, we understand that it will take much less time and effort. This reduces the level of anxiety and anxiety.

To persuade myself is simple: "I will deal with this task for exactly 10 minutes, and then I will decide whether I want to continue or not." You will see: as soon as you start, you will hardly want to stop.

Why this approach increases productivity

The value of the 10 minute rule is to hone the habit of taking action. This method does not promise quick wins, but sets off a chain reaction of success that starts with the fact that we just get down to business.

There are three main reasons why this approach is so effective:

1. Getting started is always more difficult than continuing. The most painful part of procrastination is taking the first step. And after 10 minutes of work, you get into the rhythm, and everything becomes much easier.
2. The main goal is dedication, not the result. “Achieving the goal” even sounds exhausting. And to work for 10 minutes seems to our brains a much more relaxed task. In addition, such a formulation reduces subconscious pressure and desire for success and shifts attention from the result to the task itself.
3. Making new habits becomes much easier. It is difficult to radically change your daily schedule right away. The 10 minute rule helps you do this easily, gradually, and consistently.

If 10 minutes seems like too much time, experiment and start with two or five minutes of action. After all, even if you feel like giving up a task, a few minutes of work is always better than nothing.