3-3-3 for a productive day

My 3-3-3 for a day.

🎵 Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,
Drifting through the day,
Wanting to start again? 🎵

Or perhaps you've been overwhelmed, with a never-ending to-do list that keeps growing? It happens to the best of us. Let's set aside those Katy Perry vibes for a moment and dive into a productivity booster that'll help you take control of your day.

3-3-3 is a nifty framework crafted by Oliver Burkeman, the author of Four Thousand Weeks.

So, what do those 3s stand for in 3-3-3?

• 3 hours on your most important thing.

• 3 shorter tasks you've been avoiding.

• 3 maintenance activities to keep life in order.

Let’s unpack them a bit.

First 3 in 3-3-3

Dedicate the first 3 hours of your workday to your most important task. No emails, no notifications, just laser focus on that one crucial thing.

Starting your day this way helps you tap into the flow state, where your creativity and productivity soar.

Second 3 in 3-3-3

Once you've conquered your top priority, it's time to tackle three smaller tasks you've been avoiding. These might not be super important but are important nevertheless.

These might include answering your emails, asking clients for testimonials, updating your LinkedIn profile, etc.

Tackling these tasks helps clear the mental clutter.

Final 3 in 3-3-3

The last leg is all about maintenance tasks. These are the things you need to do to keep life in order.

For me, it includes meal planning, setting up work tasks for the next day, handling grocery shopping, and even managing tax filings. While these tasks may not be exciting, they play a vital role in maintaining the smooth flow of your life. After all, you wouldn't want to miss a payment deadline and face financial penalties, would you?

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I used to be a perfectionist when it came to to-do lists, but since adopting this framework, I've found it incredibly effective. It's simple yet powerful, giving ample time to crucial tasks while also accommodating those less urgent but still essential ones.

Pro Tips

1. Plan your day the night before, so you hit the ground running in the morning.

2. When random tasks pop into your head that aren't part of your current 3-3-3, jot them down in a separate "Future 3s" list. It keeps your mind clear and your focus sharp.

3. Consider color-coding your tasks for the three sets of 3s; it adds a little flair to your organization and helps keep things visually distinct.

4. Adapt the method for exceptions. If you have a significant personal commitment, make it part of your first 3. Flexibility is key.

So, there you have it — the 3-3-3 framework, a simple yet potent way to light up your day with productivity fireworks. Give it a try, and watch your productivity soar. 🚀🎆