TWO-DO

There is a styling method called “2 out of 3” which says that out of the three (outfit, hair, and makeup) you should have at least two at any given time to look nice with less effort. And though it can be hard to implement in fashion, I liked the overall idea of having a choice yet setting a standard at the same time.

Menus are a popular journaling/habit tool and consist of a “menu” or list of things that generally define a routine (morning/night, skincare, etc.) The idea is you freely choose from the list based on what you are capable of and it’s a less strict way to build a habit. (I’m currently trying to have better night and morning routines so once I try it out, I’m sure there will be another blog post on the way.)

But back to this concept of a list of things and having the option to pick at minimum two things from that list to meet the standard you’re trying to achieve.

I decided to try it out with something I always struggle with: feeling productive. 

Despite the fact that I’m always trying to be productive I don’t have a standard for what that means so I have no way of evaluating if I met my goal. I know some days I get a lot done and others I don’t and as I’m trying to overcome the slight disappointment that comes from what feels like a day wasted, I thought the first step should be to create a standard. Otherwise I’m just holding myself to my own vibes (which can fluctuate).

The Standard

The standard is the title, two-do. I just need to do two of the things from my menu list every day to consider that day a “success.” In my three weeks of doing this I have actually hit more than two items most days. But my standard remains the same because there are days where only two are possible and my intention with this method is to calm my mind, not push myself. 

The Menu

I have wayyy more than three things on my list to choose from (though hair, makeup, and outfit are on the list too). In fact it gets longer every week, but there hasn’t been a single day where I haven’t met my two item standard. I’ll share my list below and then give a condensed version of the things I feel are important.

Here is how my October is going so far:

(This is made in xTiles by the way, it’s a virtual journaling tool similar to Notion. I can make a blog post on that too if you’re interested!)

Now as promised, my list is very long to accommodate the things that I feel are important. And your list will look different from mine. But there are a few things that I believe are essential that should make your list.

Essentials

1. Rest 

Rest is by far the most important item on the menu. I am trying to train my brain to view rest as an important productivity tool instead of feeling bad about it.

2. Intentional Leisure 

Another important one to add, and it’s going to look different for everyone. Maybe that is watching your favorite youtuber, maybe it’s taking a nap, maybe it’s going to a concert, whatever is fun for you that you choose to do intentionally. (It could even be scrolling tik tok if you chose it).

3. Walk (Getting Outside)

I think taking some time to be outside is always important, there is already a lot of research on the positive effects of a walk on mental health. Even if it’s not going on a walk, just sitting outside for some time would be good.

4. Eat Well

For me this means eating proper meals that have some nutritional value. I don’t always eat the healthiest and sometimes will substitute a proper meal for a snack if I’m in a rush. Eating well is so exceptionally important.

Beyond these four items, I think it’s also important to include at least one hobby (for me it’s dancing and journaling), one habit you’re trying to build (all the different goal types I listed), and at least two easy wins (cleaning, outfits, and skincare.)

-.-

This method is slowly making me view productivity and what makes a day “successful” in a different light. Even on the days that aren’t as populated with checkmarks, it’s enough just to see that I made two of them. 

Please share your experience if you try this out and I’ll see you next month!