# One Minute Rule

> Productivity principle stating that any task that can be completed in one minute or less should be done immediately rather than deferred. Prevents small tasks from accumulating and reduces mental clutter from tracking minor to-dos.

- **URL:** https://www.developgoodhabits.com/one-minute-rule/
- **Category:** Practices
- **Tags:** Quick Tasks, Decision Making, Productivity
- **Updated:** 2026-03-14 20:12
- **Canonical page:** https://timetrack.works/es/items/one-minute-rule

## Details

## What is the One Minute Rule?

The One Minute Rule states that if a task takes less than one minute to complete, do it immediately rather than adding it to your to-do list or deferring it for later.

## Origin

While popularized by various productivity experts, this rule is a variation of David Allen's Two-Minute Rule from Getting Things Done (GTD), adapted for even faster execution.

## Examples of One-Minute Tasks

- Replying to a simple email
- Hanging up your coat
- Putting dishes in the dishwasher
- Filing a document
- Scheduling a meeting
- Sending a quick text message
- Wiping down a counter
- Making your bed
- Returning a phone call for a quick answer

## Benefits

- Prevents small task accumulation
- Reduces mental clutter
- Eliminates tracking overhead for minor items
- Creates immediate sense of progress
- Prevents procrastination on simple tasks
- Keeps environment organized
- Reduces decision fatigue

## When to Apply

- During email processing
- When encountering quick household tasks
- While reviewing notifications
- During workspace organization
- When handling administrative tasks

## When NOT to Apply

- During deep focus work (batch one-minute tasks for later)
- When it interrupts flow state
- If it would derail an important conversation
- When you're working on a deadline-critical task

## Related Principles

- Two-Minute Rule (David Allen)
- Touch it once principle
- Immediate action bias
- Zero inbox methodology

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