(And what leaders need to understand about routines, pacing, and decision fatigue)
I recently heard a productivity rule that said: “If it takes under 5-minutes, just do it now.” Cute idea. Sounds efficient. Feels responsible.
Except every time I try it, I end up running late.
Every. Single. Time. No exceptions, EVERY TIME!
Because here’s what actually happens: I’m going through my morning routine, or I am heading out the door on schedule, feeling good, and then I notice one tiny thing. It could be a dish in the sink, a quick text I could answer, a form I could sign, a jacket that needs to be hung up, a dry plant, something on the floor, you name it. And I think, “It’ll take 5-minutes. Just do it now.”
But it’s NEVER 5-minutes. It’s 5-minutes… plus the 3 minutes of transition time… plus the 2 minutes of “since I’m already here, I might as well also…” Suddenly I’m ten minutes behind, my routine is blown up, and I’m annoyed at myself for breaking the rhythm I rely on.
I’m a stickler for routines and timing. I function best when my mornings have a predictable flow. When I disrupt that flow (even with something small) it throws off my pace for the rest of the day.
But then another podcast told me to try it again. So I started asking myself: Am I doing something wrong? Or is the rule wrong for people like me?
Here’s the truth: The 5‑minute rule isn’t wrong. It’s just not universal.
Some people thrive on micro‑tasks. Others thrive on momentum.
If you’re someone who needs rhythm, structure, and clean transitions, “just do it now” is not a productivity hack, it’s a derailment. And for me, it’s not a tiny derailment; it’s a full-blown morning train wreck that throws off my entire pace.
And leaders need to understand this about themselves and their teams.
Leadership Lesson: Protect Your Pace
Your pace is part of your performance. Your routines are part of your clarity. Your timing is part of your leadership presence.
When you constantly interrupt your own flow, you create:
- decision fatigue
- rushed energy
- reactive thinking
- unnecessary stress
Leaders don’t need more stress. They need more intentionality.
Instead of the 5‑minute rule, try this:
If it’s not part of the plan, it’s not part of the moment.
Write it down. Add it to your list. Handle it during the time you already set aside for small tasks. (Yes, I schedule time for small tasks)
This protects your pace, your punctuality, and your leadership energy.
What Your Team Needs From You
Your employees watch how you manage your time. Your consistency becomes their stability.
When you model:
- predictable routines
- clear boundaries
- intentional pacing
- respect for transitions
your team feels safer, calmer, and more supported. This is especially important in Q4, when everything speeds up.
Leaders don’t need to be faster. They need to be steadier.
Final Takeaway
I spent too much time wondering what I was doing wrong with this 5 minute rule. So let me save you the time… You’re not doing anything wrong! Instead you are honoring the way you work best.
The 5‑minute rule might work for some people, but if it consistently throws off your rhythm, it’s not your rule. Your leadership strength comes from structure, clarity, and timing, not from squeezing in one more tiny task.
Protect your pace. Your team will feel it. And your October will run a whole lot smoother.