THE 10-MINUTE RULE
A SIMPLE TRICK TO BOOST CREATIVITY, PRODUCTIVITY & BEAT PROCRASTINATION
Today, I want to share a simple yet powerful trick that has helped me stay productive and creative, even on those days when I just don’t feel like doing anything. I call it the 10-Minute Rule - and trust me, it’s a game-changer!
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE 10-MINUTE RULE
Spring is in full swing here in Australia, bringing the urge for spring cleaning, organising, and tackling all those little tasks we’ve been putting off. I had a busy day ahead with two appointments - one over the phone and another in person (which, let’s be honest, I don’t love having to leave the house for!). But before heading out, I had a short window of time in my studio, and that’s when I realised just how much I rely on my 10-minute rule.
So, what is the 10 minute rule?
It’s not really a strict “rule” but more of a simple productivity hack. It’s about breaking tasks into manageable, bite-sized chunks that feel achievable - even when you’re low on time, motivation, or energy (and if you are, I hear ya!)
Recently I started reading Atomic Habits by James Clear and noticed that his 1% improvement theory is very similar to the 10 minute rule. James talks about forming good habits and breaking it down into smaller pieces so you’re not trying to do everything at once.
It really does work!
HOW THE 10-MINUTE RULE WORKS
The concept is simple: dedicate just 10 minutes to a task and see what happens. There are two main scenarios where I find this rule helpful:
When I have limited time – If I only have an hour between appointments or other commitments, I can still accomplish something meaningful in a short burst of focused time.
When I don’t feel like doing anything – On days when I’m feeling unwell, uninspired, or just plain unmotivated, committing to just 10 minutes often gets me started - and sometimes, that’s all I need to keep going.
A REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: HOW IT HELPED ME GET CREATIVE AGAIN
One day, I wasn’t feeling great. I’d been dealing with some ongoing health issues and a lingering cold, which left me feeling drained. I had convinced myself to take the day off from my creative projects, but when I stepped into my studio to grab something, I saw my quilt project sitting on the table.
At that moment, I had two choices: walk away or commit to just 10 minutes of sewing. I chose the latter. I told myself, “I’ll just sew a couple of blocks together and see how I feel.” And guess what? Once I started, I felt inspired and ended up working on the quilt for an hour! That’s the magic of the 10-minute rule - it lowers the mental barrier to getting started, and once you’re in the flow, you might just surprise yourself.
THE 10-MINUTE RULE IN ACTION
You can apply this rule to just about anything:
Creative projects – Weaving, quilting, painting, knitting - whatever it is, just commit to 10 minutes.
Household chores – Cleaning an entire room might feel overwhelming, but tidying for 10 minutes? Totally doable!
Work and organisation – If you’re procrastinating on emails, paperwork, or planning, set a timer for 10 minutes and make a start.
Exercise - Most people find the most difficult part of implementing an exercise routine is just starting. That was me 18 months ago. So I started with a commitment of 10 minutes a day, just to move my body. That 10 minutes has turned into daily walks of 20 minutes to an hour plus 3-4 strength training sessions a week 💪
WHY IT WORKS
It reduces overwhelm – Instead of dreading a big task, you’re just committing to a small, manageable portion.
It builds momentum – Often, the hardest part is getting started. Once you begin, you’ll likely want to keep going.
It creates a sense of accomplishment – Even if you only spend 10 minutes, you’ve still made progress!
It helps you manage time better – You can get a surprising amount done in short, focused bursts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the 10-minute rule really work?
Yes! It’s a proven method for overcoming procrastination and increasing productivity. The key is that starting small reduces resistance, making it easier to begin tasks. In my experience, the path of least resistance is always the best one to take.
How can I use the 10-minute rule to be more productive?
Try applying it to tasks you tend to avoid - whether it’s creative work, housework, study or admin tasks. Once you get started, you’ll often keep going beyond the initial 10 minutes!
*This article may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on my affiliate link and purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you 😉
GIVE IT A TRY!
Next time you feel stuck, uninspired, or short on time, try the 10-minute rule. Set a timer, start the task, and see where it takes you. You might find that it’s exactly what you needed to get moving - and who knows, you might even finish that project you’ve been putting off!
Have you ever tried a method like this?
Let me know in the comments how the 10-minute rule works for you!
I also made a video about this last year, I’m including it here for you ⬇️
Take Care,
Kelly
The 10 minute rule is something that I would talk to patients about when I worked in Primary Care. Just walk for 10 minutes after dinner, or whatever activity they liked. And like you said, it's a great overwhelm buster.
I tried this some time ago when you first mentioned it, Kelly. It is extremely effective- thank you.Anne O Connell