Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the goal of the Two-Touch Rule to reach “inbox zero”?
Not necessarily. While you will likely find your inbox is often empty after a processing session, “inbox zero” is a result, not the goal. The true goal is “inbox control.” It’s the feeling of confidence that everything in your inbox has been seen and has a plan. The objective is to make decisive, low-stress decisions about every message, so your brain is freed up to do real work, rather than constantly worrying about what might be lurking in your email.
This sounds great, but what about the “switching cost” of moving a task to a calendar or to-do list?
This is a great question. “Switching cost” refers to the mental energy lost when you shift from one task or context to another. It’s true that moving an email to a task list takes a moment. However, this small, one-time cost is far less than the massive, repeated cost of re-reading the same email multiple times, worrying about it, and keeping it in your mental RAM. By externalizing the task to a trusted system, you pay a small price up front to free up significant mental bandwidth for the rest of the day. It’s a strategic investment.
What tools do you recommend for the to-do list or calendar?
The best tool is the one you will actually use. Start with what is native to your system. If you use a Mac, Apple Calendar and Reminders are fantastic. If you’re in the Windows or Google ecosystem, Google Calendar and Google Tasks are powerful and seamlessly integrated. The key is not the specific app, but the habit. Avoid the temptation to spend days researching the “perfect” productivity app. Pick a simple one, and focus on mastering the Two-Touch process itself. The system is more important than the software.
What if I try a habit, like the desk reset, and it doesn’t stick?
That’s completely normal. Not every productivity hack works for every person or every situation. If you’ve given a habit an honest try for a week or two and it feels like it’s adding more friction than it’s removing, it’s okay to let it go. The key is to ask why it didn’t stick. Was the 10-minute reset too long? Try a 5-minute reset. Was doing it at the end of the day the problem? Try doing it first thing in the morning. Tweak the habit before you abandon it entirely. Productivity is about personal experimentation, not rigid dogma.
My job requires me to be highly responsive. How can I only check email twice a day?
The Two-Touch Rule is a framework, not a prison. The frequency of your email batching sessions should match the demands of your role. If you need to be highly responsive, you might schedule five 15-minute processing blocks throughout the day instead of two 30-minute ones. The core principles still apply: process email during dedicated times, turn off notifications, and make a quick decision on every message (two minutes or schedule it). You’re still in control of your attention, even in a fast-paced environment.
