The 1-3-5 rule for to-do lists: how to get more done?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

To-do lists are often missed simply because there are too many to-do lists. When making a list, you don't think about how to get it all done, and you don't plan what needs to be done first. The 1-3-5 rule helps to correct these mistakes so that your to-do list will be of real value.

The essence of the 1-3-5 system is extremely simple: on the to-do list, you plan one most important and serious business, three medium-sized and five minor ones. Overall, your to-do list will have 9 things to do every day - not too many, but when you consider that four of them are very important, productivity increases markedly.

Why does this system work?

Every day, prioritizing your tasks, you clearly understand what needs to be done first and what can wait. Of course, your to-do list can be flexible - if you have an important meeting, you can cancel one medium and two small tasks to get ready for it.

Nine specific tasks, categorized by urgency, help relieve the feeling that you are not doing anything. Performing every day on an important task, you will gradually clear up the "blockages", if any, and if not, increase your productivity.

Tip: always mark on the to-do list what you have already done, and plan one or two things for tomorrow that need to be done anyway.

Looking at your achievements and knowing that you cannot do without some work today, you will get the right attitude for the day.