April 5, 2018

Implementing the One Minute Rule

Spring Outfit, Helena of Brooklyn Blonde
Beige Trench Coat, Gucci Red Princetown Slides, Helena of Brooklyn Blonde

Spring Street Style, Helena of Brooklyn BlondeTrench: Theory (similar here) | Tee: Rag & Bone | Denim: Something Navy x Nordstrom (similar here) | Slides: Gucci | Bag: Gucci (in black here) | Lipgloss: Bobbi Brown #12 | Sunglasses: Colors in Optics

Are you familiar with the one minute rule? Some are probably thinking, “Um, yes! This is old news!” I only heard about it a few months ago but it has made one of the biggest differences in my overall productivity.

For those of you who’ve read The Happiness Project or who’ve listened to the ‘Happier Podcast’ with Gretchen Rubin, you’re probably familiar with this easy concept. Basically the rule is that anything that can be done in a minute, you should do now. No procrastinating allowed  (I’m the queen). Whether it’s hanging your coat up as soon as you come home, throwing out your trash, or responding to a quick email that you typically may put in the “I’ll get to this later” category. If it takes less than a minute, just do it. It is proven that all of these little things add up and have a major impact on our overall mental state and happiness.

After implementing this rule for several months, I can say its made a huge difference in how I feel. In the past, I’d have so many tiny, but annoyingly nagging things that would loom over me.

To take it one step further, I started tackling the tasks that might take longer than one minute (maybe 5…) but that would improve my overall day or night. For example, it’s no secret that I love skincare and pampering myself with a nice routine. However, lately I found that I started to dread it. By the time I’d get around to actually washing my face, usually right before bed (11-12AM – way later than I should be going to sleep) I’d be dead from exhaustion. The thought of washing my face and applying all of my things felt like a daunting task. To make matters worse, before going to bed, I would sit on the couch or on my computer and think, “Ah! I still have to wash my damn face.” The one minute rule inspired me to put an end to that behavior.

Now, as soon as I put Nate to sleep, I walk out of his room and straight into the bathroom so I can wash my face. At that time, it’s only 8PM and I’m back to enjoying my routine. I even have time to apply my products and right before bed, I might even slap on a night mask (which I keep right on my bedside table). The best part is that once I’m done, I’m happier! I tend to enjoy my night more knowing something I started to dread is no longer a lingering chore. It really is the best feeling.

So if there’s a a small task that you tend to put off, especially if it takes less than a few minutes, get it done! I promise it does way more for your mental well-being than you could even imagine.


Shop My Outfit Below:


photos by Keith Hodne

 

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20 comments

  • Allie

    I’ve never heard of the one minute rule but it’s brilliant! I’m going to start implementing it into my life today! xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

  • Melanie

    This outfit is awesome! I would wear it the same as you did :-*

    Melanie / http://www.goldzeitblog.de

  • Faith

    Yes completely! It’s funny … I’ve actually started doing something very similar to this but didn’t know it came from this book/podcast.

  • Mireia

    Absolutely love it!

    Mireia from TGL
    https://thegoldlipstick.com/

  • Maria Eugenia

    I love this. Its so easy to put everyone else first and just leave yourself for last and then not even get to care for yourself. Going to try out this rule! Love the look!
    Maria Eugenia ☀
    http://www.thegirlonanisland.com
    https://www.thegirlonanisland.com/2018/04/the-monthly-favorites-march-2018.html

  • Bianca

    Never heard of it either, but will definitely give it a try NOW! There are a few nagging errands I keep putting off that won’t even take that long, lol.

  • Fatou

    I love this look! so cute
    xx
    https://closettostreet.com

  • Krista @hundredblog

    Thank you for this reminder, I needed to hear this again! It really does work 🙂

    Krista
    http://www.hundredblog.com

  • Sherita Rankins

    Such a great tip. I blog a lot about productivity and sometimes getting things done is really about just doing them! Why put off until tommorow something that can be done today. Thanks for the motivation.

  • Pinja

    This is definitely something I finally need to start doing, although having heard of it already a few months ago! So thank you for the reminder 🙂 xx

  • Rach

    I actually haven’t heard of this rule but I love hearing how effective it is. I can totally see how it can get you going and get stuff done. I might need to apply this to my life!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  • Sharon

    Lately I’ve been struggling with my nighttime skincare routine too. It’s funny how some times it is a chore and sometimes it feels like pampering, I think it’s all about timing. The one minute rule really has helped me with getting chores done but I still dread them. Ha!
    http://www.forthewonderer.com

  • bhanu

    Yes completely! It’s funny … I’ve actually started doing something very similar to this but didn’t know it came from this book/podcast.

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    […] A chic outfit + a good rule! […]

  • Chloe

    I’ve never heard lf this, but it definitely sounds like something I need in my life!

    Chloe x
    http://www.softoctobernight.com

  • Celeste Knight

    I love this!! Going to start implementing it into my routine!!

    http://www.doseofdetails.com

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  • Melissa

    I started doing this with washing dishes. I loathe washing dishes but if I do it right after eating supper it really doesn’t take more than 5 or 10 minutes, tops. In the past I would put the dishes in the sink, make myself a cup of tea, and think “I’ll do those after my tea” but next thing I knew it would be days of dishes piling up and then I’d be grossed out by my own procrastination that I’d get take out. Terrible cycle. So now I’m making it a habit to do them right away and get it over with and I’m much happier.

  • Daniel Ward

    Wow, that’s a pretty outfit! Of course, you look gorgeous!

    https://www.onfashionshop.com/

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