I’ve oh so originally come up with a rule for myself. Not unlike Mel Robbins 5 4 3 2 1 rule, the 15 minute rule attempts to serve the same purpose from a different direction.
Both rules service to ignore the excuse making thoughts you have. They’re used to override the parts of your brain that make tasks into a bigger deal than they really are, which keeps you from taking action.
5 4 3 2 1 GO rule that Mel Robbins implements gives you a start time. Need to get out of bed? 5 4 3 2 1 GO.
Need to start your laundry? Need to get up a shower? Need to start the project you’ve been putting off? 5 4 3 2 1 GO.
It’s a wonderful rule, that helped me immensely when it comes to getting many things done.
I hit a wall however. I can begin sure, but mid task I get distracted and move onto the next thing. I start cleaning but then a friend sends a tiktok and I down to watch it and get stuck for 30 minutes scrolling.
So, the 5 4 3 2 1 GO rule gives you a great way to start, but the 15 minute rule provides an end. Sometimes when we see an end, we are more likely to start something because it feels less daunting.
I also found that, the 15 minute rule is a trick that leads me to continuing way past the 15 minute mark.
For example, I set a timer to focus and clean my room for 15 minutes. I try to get as much done as possible, but if I’m almost done by the end of the 15 minutes, I’m not going to leave the vacuuming or whatever else is left for next time. I’m just going to finish the job.
If I tell myself to sit down for 15 minutes and write, but completely focussed, phone away, no distractions, I’m more than likely going to get sucked in and complete whatever I’m working on. Honestly, even if I don’t, I’m happy I got my brain moving and my creative juices flowing, because…
15 Minutes is Better Than NONE
“I won’t have time to spend an hour at the gym today” okay, 15 minutes is better than 0 for that day. Truly, THAT IS WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Plus, that 15 minutes will turn into 30.
If you work on a creative project, on a task, or cooking, on learning for 15 minutes a day, that comes out to almost 2 hours a week! That is NOT small number. Thinking about sitting down and giving something your undivided attention for 2 hours is a great intention, but it’s likely to deter you from even starting. Now the week is over, and you’ve given that thing you want to work on 0 hours of your time, and so, it’s pushed out to “Monday”, and the cycle starts again.
Dedicate yourself for only 15 minutes to any certain thing and you will begin to feel so much better about yourself. You’ll start looking forward to the 15 Minute Challenge DAILY.
It’s only 15 minutes.