Author: AI

Blank page fear? Shrink it. The 10-Word Rule kills overthinking by forcing you to start with one sentence that’s short enough to finish instantly.

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The Rule

1. Write 10 words or fewer about what you want to say.
2. Stop. Read it out loud once.
3. Only expand if you feel momentum — otherwise, keep the 10-word version.

Example

Before: “I need to explain why consistency matters in creative work, but it keeps sounding generic.”
After: “Consistency builds trust when talent is invisible.”

Why It Works

• Forces clarity. 10 words cut away fluff fast.
• Reduces pressure. Anyone can write 10 words — no perfection needed.
• Builds momentum. Tiny completions lead to flow.

Tools & Resources

• Bear Notes — clean minimal writing app for short text bursts.
• Simplenote — distraction-free quick capture.
• Notion — store and tag your 10-word sparks.

Tip for monetization: link each tool with your affiliate tracking; keep one call-to-action per tool.

Bonus Tip

When you get stuck mid-writing, return to the 10-Word Rule. Write one mini-summary sentence that re-centers your idea — it’s your anchor.

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FAQ

Can I use more than 10 words?

Of course. The rule is a start line, not a limit. Begin small — expand once the words flow naturally.

Does this work for emails and social posts?

Yes. The 10-word start becomes your hook, then you add depth below it. It’s a universal writing primer.

Related Reads

• The 2-Minute Start: Beat Procrastination by Starting Tiny
• The Five-Line Draft Method for Clear Thinking
• Blank Page Cure: Turn Pressure Into Progress

Here’s the smallest way to start anything: shrink it to a 2-minute starter task. Beat the resistance, then ride the momentum.

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The Move (takes 2 minutes)

1. Name the starter. “Open the doc.” “Write the title.” “Pack one item.” One action only.
2. Set a 2-minute timer. Phone timer is fine. Promise you’ll stop when it rings.
3. Start now. No prep, no re-arranging. Do the tiny action immediately.

What usually happens

Momentum shows up. Two minutes become ten. Even if you stop at two, you’ve started, which makes the next step easier.

Why it works

• Beats friction. “Start small” bypasses fear and perfectionism.
• Instant feedback. A tiny win releases just enough dopamine to continue.
• Identity shift. You become the person who starts right away.

Tools & Resources

• Pomofocus — free browser timer (set it to 2 minutes).
• Notion or Todoist — create a “2-Minute Starts” list.
• TickTick — quick tasks + built-in timers.

Monetization tip: replace the links above with your affiliate links where applicable.

Quick Tips

• Write starters that begin with a verb (“Open…”, “Write…”, “Email…”).
• When stuck, make the starter even smaller (“Open laptop”).
• Pair with a standing rule: never skip two days.

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FAQ

Will 2 minutes really help on big projects?

Yes. The point is to start. Once you begin, the next small step is obvious, and momentum carries you.

What if I stop after 2 minutes?

That still counts. Starting reduces future resistance. Most days you’ll keep going; on tough days, the streak survives.

Related Reads

• The One-Task Rule (Finish One, Ignore the Rest)
• The 5-Minute Sprint to Break Overwhelm
• A 90-Second Focus Reset You Can Do Anywhere

Here’s a 60-second fix that makes late-night doomscrolling annoying enough to stop. No apps, no lectures — just friction at the right moment.

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The 60-Second Fix

1. Move temptations off your home screen. Put social apps into a folder on the last page. Name the folder “Tomorrow.”
2. Set a 60-second lock at bedtime. Use Screen Time/Digital Wellbeing to lock those apps from 23:00–06:00. Keep the passcode different from your phone PIN.
3. Create a 10-tap deterrent. If you still try to open them, make it take 10 taps (folder → last page → app → passcode). The extra steps kill the impulse.

Why this works

Impulse fades fast. Adding tiny delays at the exact moment of reach breaks the loop. You’re not banning anything — you’re making the habit just inconvenient enough to skip.

Tools & Resources

• iOS: Screen Time → App Limits
• Android: Digital Wellbeing → App Timers

Quick Tips

• Put your charger away from your bed so reaching the phone is effort.
• Set a “Sleep Focus” or “Bedtime mode” to dim/grey out your screen.
• Place a physical book on your pillow — a visible alternative wins.

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FAQ

Will this block emergency messages?

No. Your phone and messaging apps still work. You’re only adding friction to specific social apps at night.

What if I just turn the limit off?

That’s the point — the extra steps give your brain time to reconsider. Most people won’t bother after a few nights because the impulse passes.

Related Reads

• The One-Minute Phone Fast
• Morning Dopamine Reset (3 Steps)