157: The Tiny Habit That Shrinks Your To-Do List Fast

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Ever feel like your to-do list is 47 miles long but you can’t even get started?

In today’s Thrive in 5, I’m teaching you the 3-Minute Rule a tiny but mighty strategy that cuts through mental clutter and jumpstarts real momentum. If you’re constantly thinking about tasks instead of doing them, this will change everything.

What we cover:

• Why your brain gets overwhelmed by “simple” tasks
• How the 3-Minute Rule helps you build momentum instantly
• Real-life examples to use it throughout your day
• Your mini challenge: 5 wins in 15 minutes

🎯 Your to-do list doesn’t have to feel heavy. Let’s lighten it, 3 minutes at a time.

👉 Tag @ExclusivelyCindy on instagram/facebook and share how you’re using this tip—I’d love to connect and hear your story!

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
feeling overwhelmed byeverything on your list.

(00:02):
In this Thrivent five, I'll showyou how to use the three minute
rule to knock out small tasks,clear mental clutter, and build
real momentum in your day.
Let's talk about a tool that'sused for reducing overwhelm and
building momentum.
It's called the Three MinuteRule, and here's how it works.
If a task takes three minutes orless, do it immediately.

(00:23):
No, writing it down, nooverthinking.
Just do it.
It might seem simple, but thisone rule can clear more mental
clutter than you realize.
Here's why it matters.
We often get stuck in a cycle ofthinking about doing something
more than we actually do it.
You know those little tasks likereplying to a quick email,
scheduling an appointment,refilling your water, tossing

(00:46):
your laundry from the washer tothe dryer.
These tasks are not hard, butthey sit in the back of your
mind.
Taking up space, slowing yourbrain down and making your to-do
list feel heavier than it reallyis.
When you apply the three minuterule, you instantly lighten your
mental load.
You build trust with yourself.
You stop procrastinating and youstart acting, and that my

(01:09):
friend, is where momentumbegins.
Here are some ways that you canuse it throughout your day.
Empty your inbox with one to twoline replies.
Clean off your desk.
Prep your workspace or waterbottle, add a quick note in your
planner or calendar, each smalltask is like a mental check mark
that says, I'm showing up formyself today.

(01:30):
You'll be amazed at how thesetiny wins boost your focus,
clarity, and energy.
This works because mostoverwhelm comes from clutter,
whether it's mental or physicalclutter.
The three minute rule is yourpersonal decluttering system.
It's fast, easy, and it createsinstant relief.
While building momentum, onequick win leads to another, and

(01:53):
that momentum leads to results.
If you would like to implementthis immediately, here are your
action steps.
Set a timer and knock out fivethings that take three minutes
or less.
Post a sticky note that says athree minute rule in your
workspace to remind yourself andcheck in every few hours and
ask, is there a quick task thatI can clear out right now?

(02:15):
Your brain will feel lighter andyour list will shrink, and
you'll be creating winds thatcompound over time.
You've got this.