The 15 minute rule - Caroline Buchanan

The Fifteen Minute Rule sets out to help us tackle those things that we are always putting off: starting an exercise regime, looking for a new job, doing our tax returns or learning a new skill. Or perhaps doing something to improve the quality of life, by learning to fight depression or confront an annoying habit. Perhaps it's simply clearing the huge pile of clutter from your desk. Whatever it is, all you need is fifteen minutes and before you know it, some weeks later, you have accomplished a task you couldn't bring yourself to start.

The hardest thing to overcome when you're trying to start something daunting and new is to actually start. That mountain of paperwork in front of you that looks like it will take hours to go through and hours of mind-numbing sorting is hard to contemplate for most - but fifteen minutes isn't. Fifteen minutes is manageable and can bring minor and major results, each one providing satisfaction and a boost in self-esteem. This book is for those people who need instant gratification and also those long-term players who recognise the benefits of consistency and dedication.

Caroline Buchanan has been the agony aunt for Now magazine for 14 years, and before that worked in the same capacity for Here magazine and Candis magazine. She has written three self-help books: The Sensuous Slimmer, Caught in the Act and The Single Parent's Survival Guide and has featured on radio and television.