The 10-minute rule

Do this

1. Pick the smallest piece: one dish, one envelope, one email.
2. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
3. Work until it rings. You're allowed to stop.
4. If you want to keep going, go. If not, you still did ten minutes more than zero.

Why it works

Strong feelings and urges rise, peak and fall, usually within minutes. A skill gives your body something to do while the wave passes, and each time you ride one out, the next one gets a little easier.