Got projects?
Did you ever struggle with procrastination? It’s okay, we are all friends here. But seriously—what’s the hardest thing for you to finish? Maybe it’s that never-ending pile of laundry, the dishes glaring at you from the sink, a looming project deadline, or even cleaning out the gutters before the first snow falls.
You’re not alone. According to research from the American Psychological Association, about 20% of adults identify themselves as chronic procrastinators, and nearly 95% of people admit they delay tasks at some point. It’s not always laziness—it’s often the way our brains are wired. We naturally take the path of least resistance. If something feels overwhelming or uncomfortable, the brain will nudge us to avoid it.
Here’s where a little trick I’ve been doing in my own home comes in: the five-minute timer. Studies from behavioral science show that breaking tasks into small, manageable chunks increases follow-through and builds momentum. Anyone can do anything for five minutes. It’s a way of “working out your brain,” the same way you train your muscles.
Set the timer and start. Maybe it’s folding just one basket of clothes, writing the first paragraph of that report, or sweeping one room. When the timer goes off, stop. Yes—really stop. It’s hard for me to do it too; but I promise, promise there’s a good reason! That pause tells your brain the task isn’t as impossible as it first seemed. The next time you set the timer, whether later that day or next week, your mind is more willing to cooperate.
The power of five minutes is incredible. Research shows that small consistent actions compound into bigger results over time. Just like a marathon starts with one step, any overwhelming task can shrink into something doable when you break it down.
So don’t wait until the pile of dishes becomes a mountain or that project feels too heavy to lift. Or if it’s already there…take a deep breath and start with five minutes. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish, and how your brain starts to trust you in the process.
You’ve got this.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (New International Version)
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Rachel Redlin is a columnist, author, journalist, and award-winning radio host. She lives in Northwest Kansas with her husband and five children, where she writes about faith, food, and the simple everyday life. Want to read more or contact us? You can subscribe to the FREE newsletter at www.simplybloominggrace.com
Want some help with where to start? We’ve chosen a few items to encourage and equip you with being uncomfortable. Click the links below to find out more!
Have you read our latest book release? Check out and read The Well today!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Simply Blooming Grace. You can read our privacy and security policy HERE.
Simply Blooming Grace 