Your First Steps: Three Ways to Start Today
Reading about Parkinson’s Law is interesting. Putting it into action is life-changing. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time to start. Here are three simple, concrete actions you can take right now, today, to begin leveraging this powerful principle.
1. Shrink One Task for Tomorrow. Look at your to-do list for tomorrow. Pick one task that you estimate will take an hour. Cross it out and reschedule it in a 45-minute timebox on your calendar. When the time comes, set a timer for 45 minutes and work with singular focus. When the timer goes off, stop. Just see what it feels like.
2. Do a 10-Minute Reset Tonight. Before you finish your workday or before you go to bed, set a timer on your phone for 10 minutes. Use that time, and only that time, to clear your primary workspace. Tidy papers, put away dishes, wipe the surface. Start tomorrow with a clean slate.
3. Neuter Your Phone’s Home Screen. Take 60 seconds right now. Press and hold any app on your phone’s home screen and banish it to your app library or a folder on the second page. Leave only the most basic, boring tools—phone, messages, camera, calendar. Create that crucial moment of friction between impulse and distraction.
These small actions are not about radically overhauling your life. They are about introducing tiny, intelligent constraints that force a higher level of focus. They are the first steps in shifting from a mindset of “I need more time” to “I need more focus.” By embracing the paradox of Parkinson’s Law, you can stop fighting the clock and finally make it work for you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
