The Two Minute Rule

Creating a good practice routine is about creating good habits. The two are intertwined. You can't have one without the other.

A brilliant book on the topic is Atomic Habits by James Clear.

One of my favorite ideas in the book is what Clear calls the Two Minute Rule.

It works like this. 

When you're trying to form a new habit, make it two minutes long. A "minimum version" of the habit you want to create.

The problem with creating new habits is people become overwhelmed or have too many expectations from the beginning.

But let's face it. Anyone can handle something new for two minutes.

So, if you or your kids are struggling with getting practice time in, just start with two minutes. In fact, make yourself stop after two minutes.

If you're having trouble working out, start a routine for two minutes.

If you're procrastinating on writing that book you've been thinking about for years, start with two minutes.

The idea is that you are practicing "showing up" for your new habit. After a streak of several days, there will come a point where you decide, "Hey, I think I'll do more today."

What was originally your two-minute session becomes the entry point to your new, fully-formed habit.

If you're in a practice slump, put your device down and try it right now.

Two minutes can make all the difference.