Principlev1PR-084

Complete actions requiring less than two minutes immediately

Complete actions requiring less than two minutes immediately during processing rather than deferring them, because the transaction cost of tracking (writing, reviewing, re-engaging) exceeds execution cost below this threshold.

Why This Is a Principle

Grounds to Open-Loop Cognitive Cost (Zeigarnik) (unresolved commitments consume working memory), Directed Attention as Depletable Resource (cognitive resources are finite), and Behavior follows the path of least resistance due… (behavior follows path of least resistance). Allen's two-minute rule is an efficiency principle: below the threshold, deferral costs more than completion.

Source Lessons

The two-minute rule for capture

If processing an item takes less than two minutes, do it immediately — deferring it costs more than completing it.

Connections

Derived From (3)

AxiomOpen-Loop Cognitive Cost (Zeigarnik)AxiomDirected Attention as Depletable Resource AxiomBehavior follows the path of least resistance due…

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