Add to your browser - Free

A Brief Pause is All It Takes
to Reclaim Your Focus.

The 20s Rule interrupts the habit loop with a simple delay, transforming subconscious scrolling into a deliberate decision and putting you back in control of your focus.

Free & No Ads • Private by Design • Works Offline

facebook.com
reddit.com
instagram.com
tiktok.com
youtube.com
amazon.com
x.com
twitch.com
20 seconds

What could you accomplish in 20 seconds?

Stand up and stretch.

Continue

Why Willpower Isn't Enough

You plan to be productive, but the path of least resistance leads straight to distraction. It's not a lack of willpower; it's an environment designed to make bad habits easy and good habits hard.

2.5 Hours daily lost to unintentional browsing
47% Of online time is spent on autopilot
20s All it takes to break the habit loop

The 20-Second Rule, Reimagined for Your Browser

The original 20-Second Rule states that by adding 20 seconds of friction to a bad habit (like hiding the TV remote), you're far less likely to do it. We apply that same, simple principle to your browser.

How It Works

1

Add Friction to Distractions

Tell the extension which sites you visit out of habit—social media, news feeds, etc.

2

Interrupt the Autopilot

Before the site loads, a gentle 20-second pause creates a space between impulse and action.

3

Choose Your Intention

With the habit broken, you can consciously decide to proceed or redirect your energy.

Decrease Friction for Good Habits

A pause isn't just about stopping a bad habit—it's the perfect moment to start a good one. Instead of a blank screen, we offer a gentle nudge, an actionable micro-habit you can do right now.

Icon for Physical Wellbeing (dark mode) Icon for Physical Wellbeing

Physical Wellbeing

Combat desk fatigue with posture resets, eye exercises, and micro-movements.

"Reset your posture: sit tall, shoulders back"
Icon for Environment (dark mode) Icon for Environment

Environment

Transform procrastination into organization with quick tidying prompts.

"Create clarity: put one thing away"
Icon for Mental Clarity (dark mode) Icon for Mental Clarity

Mental Clarity

Ground yourself in the present with mindfulness micro-practices.

"Notice three things in your room right now"
Icon for Quick Planning (dark mode) Icon for Quick Planning

Quick Planning

Gently redirect to productive work without stress or pressure.

"Close one unneeded browser tab"
Icon for Goal Alignment (dark mode) Icon for Goal Alignment

Goal Alignment

Connect immediate actions to your deeper aspirations.

"Do one thing Future You will appreciate"
Icon for Social Connection (dark mode) Icon for Social Connection

Social Connection

Foster kindness and strengthen bonds that truly matter.

"Think of someone you're grateful for"

One Tool, All Your Browsers

Whether you're on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, get a consistent, private, and mindful browsing experience everywhere.

Your Privacy is Sacred

We believe in privacy by design. To make the extension better for everyone, we collect a small amount of completely anonymous usage data, but we never track you personally.

Icon for Your Data is Private (dark mode) Icon for Your Data is Private

Your Data is Private

We never collect personal information like your browsing history, IP address, or anything that can identify you.

Icon for No Ads. No Selling Data. (dark mode) Icon for No Ads. No Selling Data.

No Ads. No Selling Data.

Our anonymous analytics are only for improving the extension. We never sell your data or use it for advertising.

Icon for Core Features Work Offline (dark mode) Icon for Core Features Work Offline

Core Features Work Offline

The essential pause-and-reflect functionality works on your device, protecting your focus even without an internet connection.

Read more in our Privacy Policy

"Make bad habits so difficult that it isn’t worth it and good habits so easy that it isn’t worth it not to. That’s the essence of the 20-second rule."

Inspired by the work of Shawn Achor

Ready to Build Better Habits?

Stop relying on willpower alone. Redesign your digital environment and make good choices the easiest choices. Install The 20s Rule for free.

No sign-up required • Install in 10 seconds

The 20s Rule - A Simple Tool for Better Habits The 20s Rule - A Simple Tool for Better Habits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 20-second rule principle?

The 20-second rule, popularized by Shawn Achor, is a self-help technique for habit change. It states that you can break a bad habit by adding 20 seconds of friction to it, making it harder to start. Conversely, you can build a good habit by removing 20 seconds of friction, making it easier to start. Our extension applies this principle to your browser.

How does The 20s Rule extension work?

The extension works in three steps based on the 20-second rule: 1. You add friction to your bad habits by listing distracting websites. 2. When you try to visit one, the extension creates a 20-second pause, interrupting your autopilot. 3. During this pause, you're given a chance to make a conscious choice and are offered a positive 'nudge' to build a better habit instead.

Is my data private and secure?

Absolutely. Your privacy is sacred to us. The 20s Rule is 100% local and runs entirely on your device. We do not have any servers, we do not track your activity, and we do not collect, store, or transmit any of your personal data. The extension also works perfectly offline.

Is The 20s Rule free?

Yes, The 20s Rule is completely free, with no advertisements or premium versions. It is built on the philosophy of improving digital wellbeing for everyone.

Add Another Blocklist

Want to tackle another habit? Select a category to add its most common sites to your list.

Social Media Scrolling
Compulsive Shopping
News Addiction
Video Streaming
Gambling Sites
Adult Content