We all have those moments—someone cuts you off in traffic, your partner forgets to do the dishes, or a snarky comment on social media throws you off. They hijack our mood, raise our stress, and sometimes derail an otherwise good day.
But what if there was a simple technique to help you snap out of that spiral—and decide in seconds whether something is worth your energy?
Enter: The 2-Day, 2-Month Rule
The Origin: Inspired by “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”
The idea stems from a quote by Richard Carlson, author of the bestselling book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and It’s All Small Stuff:
“Will this matter a year from now?”
It’s a powerful question. But I found that a year can feel too far removed for our brain to process in the moment. That’s why I’ve adapted it to something more practical:
“Will this still matter in 2 days? 2 months?”
These shorter timeframes are easier to imagine—and just as effective at helping us gain perspective.
- 2 Days helps you zoom out just enough to break the spell of the immediate reaction.
- 2 Months helps you assess the real significance of the event. If it won’t even cross your mind in 8 weeks, it’s probably not worth holding onto now.
This version makes it easier to access the wisdom of Carlson’s original quote, without feeling too detached from the present.
How the 2-Day, 2-Month Rule Works
Whenever you’re triggered by something frustrating, pause and ask yourself:
If the answer is no, take a deep breath—and let it go.
This tiny habit trains your mind to stop magnifying the moment. It allows you to consciously choose what’s worth your emotional energy.
When It Will Matter
There are, of course, events that will matter in two days or two months—conflicts with loved ones, serious workplace issues, financial stress. In those cases, this rule doesn’t mean dismiss or suppress. It simply helps you identify what’s truly worth your energy, so you can approach it with intention instead of reactivity.
Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Power
The 2-Day, 2-Month Rule is not about becoming passive or indifferent. It’s about selective emotional investment to stop letting little things ruin your day. It’s about reclaiming your power from every minor inconvenience that tries to steal it.
So the next time you’re ticked off, pause and ask yourself:
“Will this still matter in 2 days? 2 months?
Chances are, it won’t. And that realization might just be your ticket to peace.
Want to learn more about how to become your better self? Book a free coaching session with me now