Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in a task, only to realize hours later that you’re still not done? It happens to the best of us. But what if you could get more done by doing less? That’s where my 15-Minute Rule comes into play.

Here’s the deal: Whenever I face a new or existing task, I give myself 15 minutes to either complete it or create a clear plan of action. If I can’t do it in that time frame, I delegate it. This approach not only forces me to work more efficiently but also helps me avoid the trap of wasting valuable hours on tasks that could easily be outsourced.

Let me share a recent example:

We were revamping the website for the rescue squad and needed a donation page. It seemed simple at first: fixed amounts, a custom input field, and an option for users to cover the credit card fee. Easy, right? Well, after a few minutes of tinkering with JotForm, I quickly realized it was a bit more complicated than I had anticipated. So, I did a quick search, tried a couple of solutions, but hit my 15-minute limit.

Instead of wasting more time, I hopped onto Fiverr, found a JotForm expert for just $10, and handed off the task. By the time I woke up the next morning, it was done—and beautifully so. Not only did I save time, but I also learned something new by reviewing how the expert did it.

Why the 15-Minute Rule Works

1. Limits breed innovation: When you know you only have 15 minutes, you focus better and think more creatively.
2. Time is money: Sure, I could’ve spent an hour trying to figure out the form. But is that really worth it when I could be doing something more impactful? Probably not.
3. Outsourcing isn’t just for big tasks: There’s no task too small to outsource. In fact, outsourcing those tiny, time-consuming jobs can save you from productivity paralysis.

By setting a limit and sticking to it, you free yourself up to work on the tasks that actually matter. And with platforms like Fiverr, you can outsource almost anything—fast and cost-effectively.

So, the next time you find yourself bogged down in a small task, ask yourself: Can I finish this in 15 minutes? If not, outsource it!

Productivity Riff of the Month: “There's no job too small to outsource. Even if it seems insignificant, handing it off can open up your time for the bigger picture.” - Ari Meisel

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