The 5-Minute To-Do List

A quick idea for you today: keep an alternate to-do list that consists entirely of things that can be done in 5 minutes or less.

This list should live on your desk for small pockets of time or transition moments between bigger projects.

That’s the short version! But of course, more details in the post…

Concept & Why It Helps

The idea behind the 5-Minute To-Do List is simple but effective. This list consists entirely of quick tasks—those that can be done in a maximum of 5 minutes. Keeping it on your desk serves as a constant reminder of small actions that can bring about a sense of accomplishment or contribute to the progress of larger goals.

Besides the gratification of getting things done (which is good, but also deceptive—more on that shortly), the 5-minute to-do list helps with several things.

1. Clearing Mental Space

The mental energy required to remember small tasks adds to your cognitive load, affecting your focus and efficiency. Checking them off quickly clears mental space.

2. Momentum

Success breeds success! When properly handled, cleaning up a few small tasks can serve as a warm-up for tackling larger, more complex projects.

3. Transitioning Between Tasks

Transition moments are often wasted, or at least underutilized. Spending some of these moments on your 5-Minute To-Do List can make your day feel more productive without adding stress.

Just One Warning

Let’s be clear about something: the 5-Minute To-Do List is a supplement, not a primary operating system.

You don’t want to spend all your time doing small things! On the contrary, it’s more important to accomplish a few important things each day (or even just one or two) than to knock off a dozen small tasks.

Still, this strategy can be helpful. After all, some things do have to be done … and it does feel good to check things off.

Conclusion

The 5-Minute To-Do List offers a nuanced approach to productivity, allowing you to capitalize on short free periods without losing sight of bigger goals.

It’s not a replacement for deep work or focused project time—it’s a supplement to help you deal with the many things that are constantly on your mind.

To sum up: maintain focus on the main things, but keep a side list of things to do during times of transition. (Mine is literally off to the side of my desk during the workday.)

Try this out and let me know how it goes. 🙂

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