Welcome to Day 20! Today I am sharing a 15 minute magic trick that is going to free your mind. But before we jump into that….can you believe we have just one day left in our Stacking Balance Challenge? I am so incredibly proud of you for showing up, for staying accountable, and for being part of the 5% of people who actually do the things that make a difference. You are crushing it!
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Today’s Micro Shift: Take 15 Minutes to Tackle That One Nagging Thing
We all have that one thing we keep pushing off. Maybe it’s a pile of bills that needs sorting, the dishes that are stacking up in the sink, or those Amazon returns that have been sitting by the door for weeks. These unfinished tasks aren’t just physical clutter—they’re mental clutter, stealing energy every time we think about them.
They make us feel bad. Like, really bad. Those negative thoughts creep in: Ugh, why haven’t I just done this yet? I’m so behind. I’m so unorganized.
But today? We’re done with that. We are handling it.
The Science Behind the Stress
Psychologists call this phenomenon the Zeigarnik Effect—our brains fixate on unfinished tasks, often making them feel way bigger than they actually are. Think about it: how many times have you spent more mental time stressing over a task than it would actually take to just do the task?
Good news: Even starting the task reduces the mental weight of it. You don’t even have to finish—it just needs to be in motion.
The 15-Minute Timer Hack
Here’s what we’re doing today:
- Choose One Task – Pick something that has been bugging you.
- Set a 15-Minute Timer – Knowing there’s an endpoint makes starting so much easier.
- Go All In – No distractions. No phone-checking. Just action.
My Favorite Example: The 15-Minute Reset
In my house, we do 15-minute resets all the time. I’m a HUGE fan of time-blocking, it just makes my life run smoother! When clutter starts building up—the couch has blankets everywhere, dishes are left out, the island is a disaster—I call a reset.
I yell “RESET!” and my family knows the drill. Everyone jumps into action for 15 minutes. If all five of us are home, that’s an hour and 15 minutes of cleaning packed into a short burst. It’s amazing. Even if I’m alone, that 15 minutes completely transforms the space and lifts a weight off my shoulders.
And the best part? It works everywhere in life. Paperwork, inboxes, meal prep—you name it.
Why This Works So Well
- It Stops the Mental Loop – Your brain stops fixating on what’s undone.
- It Builds Momentum – Once you start, you’re more likely to keep going.
- It Tricks Your Brain Into Starting – Knowing it’s only 15 minutes removes resistance.
Your Challenge: Take Action!
- Pick your nagging task.
- Set your 15-minute timer.
- GO.
When the timer is up, you’re free. Whether you finish or not, you’ll already feel lighter. And if you want, take a before-and-after picture and send it to your accountability pod. Let’s celebrate every win!
A Sneak Peek at Tomorrow…
If you’re loving this challenge and feeling that momentum, you might be thinking, Wait, I don’t want this to end! I get it—I feel the same way at the end of a good workout program.
That’s why I’ve got something special lined up for you tomorrow. It’s a personalized plan to keep this going, tailored just for you. You won’t want to miss it!
Now, go set that timer. And I’ll see you tomorrow for our final day!
Related Podcast Episodes to Keep You Organized
- 🎙 Ep. 91 → The Pomodoro Technique 101: Why it works and when to use it
- 🎙 Ep. 71 → Mastering the Mid-Day Slump: 8 Tips to Boost Productivity
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