# The Rule of Two

Source: https://www.theminimalists.com/two/
Published: 2018-09-17
Updated: 2024-06-12
Author: Joshua Fields Millburn

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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](https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/simpleselfcare), 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](https://x.com/jfm).

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