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The Minimalists
The Minimalists are Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Alongside their podcast cohost, T.K. Coleman, this simple-living trio helps millions of people eliminate clutter and live meaningfully with less. Learn More.

The Rule of Two

We’re all searching for that 25th hour in the day.

We’re stressed because we can’t accomplish every task we want to accomplish every single day. As our to-do lists grow, it seems we must be superheroes—or high-functioning sociopaths—to be “effective” people.

I feel the pressure, too.

But instead of beating myself up when my life isn’t “complete,” I give myself permission to be satisfied if, twice a week, I’m able to engage in the twelve solo endeavors that are most important to me (in no particular order):

Sunlight (one hour)
Writing (two hours)
Reading (one hour)
Sauna (30 minutes)
Yoga (30 minutes)
Squats (100 reps)
Pull-ups (60 reps)
Push-ups (200 reps)
Cycling (30 minutes)
Meditation (20 minutes)
Hiking/walking (two hours)
Weight training (30 minutes)

Some folks might call these endeavours simple self-care rituals, while I simply consider them part of a meaningful life. Although I’ll likely never accomplish all these tasks in one day, doing each just a couple times a week gives me 24 opportunities to improve my life every seven days.

Moreover, these pastimes make me a better version of myself, especially when I’m around others. Committing to twice a week relieves the pressure of daily expectations, and it has proven far more productive than trying to overdo everything. At under sixteen hours total, “self-care” occupies less than ten percent of my week, but it makes life immeasurably better during the other 90 percent.

I’m curious: What twice-a-week pursuits would improve your life? Let me know on Twitter.