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2 minute timer

The "two-minute rule" says to do a task for two minutes, because starting gets easier once you have begun. The pie shows those two minutes running out.

12

2:00

Timer length
Pie color

Want it on your lock screen? See the free app

Use two minutes to get started

Starting is often the hardest part of a task. A two-minute timer makes the first step small, such as opening the document or writing the first line of the email. You agree to stop when the pie is empty. Often you keep going, but you do not have to. Two minutes is also the time dentists recommend for brushing your teeth.

Two minutes on a task you keep avoiding

  1. Pick the smallest step you can see, such as opening the file.
  2. Press Start and work only on that step.
  3. When the pie is empty, decide whether to stop or run another two minutes.
  4. If you stop, write down the next step, so your next start is small too.

What fits in 2 minutes

In the classroom

  • A two-minute quick write
  • Clearing desks before a test
  • A two-minute brain break

At home and at work

  • Steeping green tea
  • Clearing the kitchen sink
  • A stretch between meetings

Try this

Keep a short list of two-minute jobs. When you have a gap between things, start the pie and clear one.

The Hourpie app keeps a 2 minute timer on your lock screen.See the app

2 minute timer questions

How do I start a 2 minute timer?

Press Start. This page opens with the pie set to 2 minutes. When time is up, the timer plays three soft tones and counts the time over.

Can I show it to a class or change the length?

Yes. For a class, turn on Projector colors and press Full screen. To change the length, tap another length under the pie, or drag around the pie to set any time from 1 to 180 minutes.

How long should you brush your teeth?

Dentists recommend two minutes. Start the timer when you start brushing, and spend about 30 seconds on each part of your mouth.

What is the two-minute rule?

It is a way to get past putting things off: you commit to only two minutes of a task. Once you have started, continuing is often easier, and you are free to stop when the time is up.