Two Minutes Du Jour

I’m a make-the-bed person. Not in the “every corner tucked just so” way, but in the “this is how I like to start my day” way.

A quick sweep of the sheets, the quilt pulled into place, pillows fluffed. It takes about a minute, and it sets a tone. At night, slipping into smooth bedding feels infinitely better than crawling into a jumble of covers.

That said, there are days when this habit slides. Today, for example. And that’s the point: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress and persistence are the real bedfellows.

I’m reminded of an ad campaign I once worked on—of all things, for industrial paint mixers. The creative team came up with a bedroom scene to sell those retail shakers. The photographer brought in a stylist who painstakingly ironed the bedding until it looked magazine-perfect. It was gorgeous, but also wildly unrealistic for mere mortals. Most days my bed is neatly made, but definitely not photo shoot–ready.

Research backs this up: small rituals like bed-making are linked to improved mental health and productivity. It’s less about crisp corners and more about showing up for yourself with consistency.

This month, I’ve also committed to a 30-day Yogalates challenge. The challenge isn’t about mastering the poses—it’s about doing something every day. I’ve managed most mornings, but on a few occasions I doubled up later to stay on track. By month’s end, I’ll have completed 30 sessions in 30 days, even if it wasn’t literally every single day. The lesson: persistence matters more than rigidity.

And that brings me back to this blog’s namesake. Two Minutes Du Jour. You don’t need a grand, time-consuming plan. Select something—make the bed, stretch, write a sentence, reach out to a friend. Do it for two minutes before dismissing whether to do it at all. Often, those two minutes turn into more.

So here’s today’s discovery: rituals don’t have to be perfect to matter. They just have to be practiced. What’s your “make the bed” habit—the small act that sets your day in motion?

Two Links Du Jour:

Admiral William McRaven Speech | One Person Can Change The World: The Power of Hope – Make Your Bed

This One-minute Habit Can Instantly Boost Your Mood – Here’s Why it Works – Better Homes & Gardens June 2025