The 5 Minute Rule and Procrastination

We have all been there, looking at the task or item that has gone unattended, sometimes for years. Amazingly, most of the things we put off can be started in earnest or even completed entirely within 5 minutes. Here are some things that can be tackled in 5 minutes. You no doubt have your own experiences to add.

In 5 minutes you can…

1. Call a friend


2. Make a grocery list


3. Review your to-do list


4. Pet your cat


5. Play with your dog


6. Outline your next vacation


7. Make a date


8. Clear the dishwasher


9. Put a load of laundry on


10. Floss your teeth


11. Sort you mail


12. Smooch your partner


13. Sew a button


14. Make a menu for the week


15. Update your calendar


16. Clear clutter from any room


17. Fold laundry and put away


18. Change your ring tone


19. Tidy your refrigerator


20. Read an article


21. Water your plants


22. Walk a short distance in the fresh air


23. Breath deeply and deliberately


24. Shower


25. Trim your fingernails long before they really need it


26. Plant a seed


27. Write a poem


28. Sing a song


29. Transplant an orchid into a beautiful pot


30. Sweep the floors
    
    

Rather than spending time running in place, taking no action to resolve anything, get going, take action! Take 5 minutes to put things in their place, make the phone call that is nagging you, check your calendar to stay on top of things, etc. 5 minutes spent wisely here and there and pretty soon you have accomplished much. As a very wise women, my wife, once told me “A lot can happen in a little while.”