The 2 Minute Rule

May 20, 2008 – 8:08 am

Doctors often wait until the end of the day to finish paperwork and respond to emails and phone calls. It’s easy to do, but putting off smaller tasks can lead to mistakes and sometimes longer work hours. Doing paperwork as it comes may mean fewer mistakes, and more free time at the end of the day.David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, came up with the 2-minute rule: if you think you can accomplish something in 2 minutes or less, do it now. Some tasks you might even be able to delegate to your staff. Forty percent of e-mail writing, Allen says, comes under the 2-minute mark. In just a few minutes you can take a little load off your mind.Obviously a lot of tasks require more time and attention. For those you might want to use a calendar – to remind you of long-term projects, tasks you keep putting off, and housekeeping items, such as paying bills and depositing money. It sounds simple, but staying organized and effectively managing your workload can lead to a more efficient work flow and a more successful practice.                                                                         -Aaron Weisman
                                                                           Product Team Specialist

Let us know!  How do you manage your time?  Share your tips by posting  a comment.

  1. 3 Responses to “The 2 Minute Rule”

  2. Great article!

    By Stu on Apr 25, 2008

  3. I’m going to change my task completion habits! Great article!

    By Lee on May 20, 2008

  4. I fully agree. It is a simple rule, but it works.
    There are doctors (and other) people who spend 10 Minutes to put s small problem in a big sophisticated time management system instead of simply solving it

    By Andy on Jun 26, 2008

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