Ever feel like tasks take way longer than they should? Whether it’s a work project, school assignment, or even something as simple as doing the laundry, the amount of time you give yourself usually determines how long it actually takes.
This isn’t just procrastination—it’s Parkinson’s Law at work.
What Is Parkinson’s Law?
Coined by historian Cyril Northcote Parkinson, this principle states:
“Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”
In other words, if you give yourself a whole afternoon to clean your apartment, it’ll probably take all afternoon. But if you only have 30 minutes before guests arrive, you somehow speed through it.
The same applies to work and school:
✅ If you set a whole week for a report, it’ll take a week—often with most of the work happening the night before.
✅ If you give yourself an hour to answer emails, you’ll likely finish within that time.
Once you realize this, you can use it to your advantage.
How to Use Parkinson’s Law to Your Advantage
1. Set Shorter, Artificial Deadlines
When tasks have too much time, they stretch out unnecessarily. The trick is to set a reasonable but firm deadline that forces focus.
✅ Try This:
• At work: Instead of “I’ll finish this by the end of the day,” say, “I’ll finish this in the next 90 minutes.”
• For chores: Set a 20-minute timer and challenge yourself to finish cleaning before it goes off.
• For studying: Give yourself 45 minutes to review notes instead of an open-ended “I need to study.”
2. Time-Box Your Tasks
Instead of working on something until it’s done, limit yourself to a set amount of time. This prevents perfectionism and unnecessary delays.
✅ Try This:
• For emails: Block 30 minutes in the morning instead of checking all day.
• For reading: Instead of thinking, “I’ll read this whole book,” set a 25-minute reading session.
• For brainstorming: Give yourself 10 minutes to come up with ideas before moving on.
3. Use the Two-Minute Rule for Small Tasks
Small tasks pile up because they feel unimportant, but they often take less time than we think. The Two-Minute Rule helps prevent this:
“If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.”
✅ Try This:
• At home: Instead of leaving dishes in the sink, wash them right after eating.
• At work: If a reply takes under two minutes, send it now instead of saving it for later.
• In daily life: If you can put something away in under two minutes, don’t leave it for “later.”
4. Apply the 80/20 Rule
Not all tasks deserve the same amount of time. The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) states:
“80% of results come from 20% of efforts.”
That means some tasks matter more than others. Instead of spending hours on busy work, focus on the most important tasks first.
✅ Try This:
• For work: Identify the key 20% of tasks that create the most value and do those first.
• For studying: Instead of reading everything, focus on core topics that will be on the test.
• For fitness: If three key exercises give you 80% of the benefits, prioritize those.
Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Longer
Next time you feel stuck on a task, ask yourself:
“How much time does this actually need?”
By setting smarter deadlines, using time-blocking, and prioritizing the right tasks, you can get more done in less time—without feeling overwhelmed.
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