Have you heard about the one-minute rule? Even if you haven’t heard it referred to as such, I’m 100% sure you know of it.
What is the one-minute rule?
You take one minute to do something now rather than putting it on a list (mental or physical) to do later.
Why does the one-minute rule work?
It is quicker to take the time to do it now rather than in the long run because you have momentum.
Yes, it is sometimes annoying to take 60 extra seconds but I love thinking about my future self not doing something later 🙂
Let’s talk about some examples in your home:
Kitchen
- Put food items away and wipe down the counter before having your meal
- Take freezer items out when you think about your evening meal
- After your shopping is packed away, take your reusable bags to your car or put next to the front door immediately. Don’t expect to remember them later – we all have friends with 27 bags in their kitchens that keep buying more when they’re at the grocery store.
Bathrooms
- Spray down your basin and give it a quick clean with a sponge or those new-to-me cloths with microfibre on the one side and a scourer on the other.
- While you’re at it, give your toilet a quick swish and swipe (a la Flylady)
- Hang up your towels and put your laundry in the hamper immediately after showering rather than later
Lounge
- Take a minute to straighten the cushions and put the remotes and coasters back in position rather than having to straighten up the following day.
- Take all the mugs and glasses (and plates, if you allow eating in the lounge!) back to the kitchen.
Where do you use the one-minute rule at home currently? Can you think of some examples where this might work for you?
I think I saw it here on your blog. I have a clean desk policy now. When I am done for the evening, I clean of my desk and dust and clean it before being done for the day. I have a shallow A4 box, and everything goes into it and it gets packed away. My desk is clean and my mind shuts down that part of my day with the action of cleaning the desk.