--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If I can do something in less than one…" description: "\"If I can do something in less than one minute, I don't let myself procrastinate. I hang up my coat, put newspapers in the recycling, scan and toss a le..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f8/gretchen-rubin-867_about_if-i-can-do-something-in-less-than-one-m_1085170.png" --- # If I can do something in less than one minute, I don't let… ![“If I can do something in less than one minute, I don't let myself procrastinate. I hang up my coat, put newspapers in the recycling, scan and toss a letter. Ever since I wrote about this rule in 'The Happiness Project,' I've been amazed by how many people have told me that it has made a huge…” quote by Gretchen Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f8/gretchen-rubin-867_about_if-i-can-do-something-in-less-than-one-m_1085170.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f8/gretchen-rubin-867_about_if-i-can-do-something-in-less-than-one-m_1085170.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f8/gretchen-rubin-867_about_if-i-can-do-something-in-less-than-one-m_1085170.png) > “If I can do something in less than one minute, I don't let myself procrastinate. I hang up my coat, put newspapers in the recycling, scan and toss a letter. Ever since I wrote about this rule in 'The Happiness Project,' I've been amazed by how many people have told me that it has made a huge difference in their lives.” [Gretchen Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gretchen-rubin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Quick, actionable tasks prevent procrastination and create momentum, leading to larger life improvements. **In simple terms:** Do small tasks immediately to avoid delay. Key Takeaway Start tasks instantly to build momentum. Themes productivity habit self‑discipline Mood motivational practical Type self‑help inspirational When to use this quote - daily chores - email inbox - home organization Key Concepts behavioral psychology time management Questions to Reflect On - What small task can I finish right now? - How does immediate action affect my stress? A Different Perspective Not all tasks can be completed in a minute; prioritize wisely. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Difference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difference/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Huge difference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/huge-difference/) [Newspapers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/newspapers/) [One minute](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/one-minute/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Recycling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recycling/) [Scan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scan/) ## Related quotes > [“The bus was hardly moving, but I could hardly keep pace with my own thoughts. “I’ve got to tackle this,” I told myself. “As…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gretchen-rubin/the-bus-was-hardly-moving-but-i-could-hardly-keep-pace-with-my-own/) [Gretchen Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gretchen-rubin/) > [“couldn’t just jump into this happiness project. I had a lot to learn before I was ready for my year to begin. After my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gretchen-rubin/couldn-t-just-jump-into-this-happiness-project-i-had-a-lot-to-learn/) [Gretchen Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gretchen-rubin/) > [The first rule of negotiation is to always be willing to walk away from the deal. The first rule of happiness is to not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tara-stiles/the-first-rule-of-negotiation-is-to-always-be-willing-to-walk-away/) [Tara Stiles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tara-stiles/) > [Complainers rule out happiness, mentioning it only as something lost.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mason-cooley/complainers-rule-out-happiness-mentioning-it-only-as-something-lost/) [Mason Cooley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mason-cooley/) > [The "18/40/60" rule to happiness: At age 18, people care very much about what others think of them. 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