10 Minutes Technique
A task-start strategy where you commit to just 10 minutes of effort on a selected task, after which you can stop if you want. The psychological trick is that once you begin, you usually won't want to quit, overcoming initial resistance and procrastination.
Last updated: 2026-04-04 22:53
Overview
The 10 Minutes Technique is a psychological strategy designed to overcome task avoidance and procrastination by lowering the perceived barrier to getting started.
How It Works
- Sit down and commit to exactly 10 minutes of focused effort on a selected task
- After 10 minutes, you can stop if you want to
- More importantly — you usually won't want to
Core Insight
The hardest part of any task is almost always starting. By committing to just 10 minutes, you eliminate the resistance that prevents you from beginning. Once momentum is established, continuation becomes natural.
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