1-3-5 Rule for Daily Productivity

December 13, 2024
|By Rahul Goyal

Feeling like your to-do list never ends? The 1-3-5 rule can change that. It’s a simple way to structure your day, focus on what matters most, and reduce overwhelm.

One Topic: 1-3-5 Rule

Every day, pick 1 major task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 small tasks. This method forces prioritisation, keeps your goals realistic, and helps you accomplish more without the stress.

Why the 1-3-5 Rule Works

  1. Limits Overcommitment – Nine tasks a day might not seem like much, but it’s enough to make progress while keeping you focused.
  2. Priorities What Matters Most – Instead of getting lost in busywork, this method ensures your energy goes toward impactful tasks.
  3. Prevents Burnout – Completing tasks gives you a sense of achievement, while the structure avoids overloading your plate.

Tips for Implementation

  • Start with Your Most Critical Task – Tackle your one major task early when your energy is high.
  • Group Similar Tasks – Use task batching to handle your three medium tasks efficiently.
  • Use Digital Tools – Apps like Todoist or Trello can help you organize tasks by category and track progress.
  • Be Flexible – Life happens—adjust as needed, but always return to your core structure.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you’re a marketing manager:

  • 1 Major Task: Create a quarterly strategy plan.
  • 3 Medium Tasks: Review campaign performance, meet with the design team, and draft next week’s social posts.
  • 5 Small Tasks: Respond to emails, approve designs, update the content calendar, schedule meetings, and review ad comments.

Note: While the 1-3-5 rule works for many, some find it too rigid. Complex projects might not fit neatly into this structure. But with some customisation, you can make it work for your unique workflow. Give the 1-3-5 rule a shot, and see how it transforms your productivity!

Read last week’s JustDraft newsletter about the Domino Effect.

Two Quotes

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

Prioritisation is not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.

One Passage From A Book

The key to staying focused is to choose one highlight for your day—a single activity you want to give your attention and energy to. It doesn’t have to be big or ambitious, just something you care about. By making time for your highlight, you ensure your most important priorities get the attention they deserve, even in the midst of a busy schedule.

📚From “Make Time” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

Simplify your to-do list with the 1-3-5 rule: Focus on 1 major, 3 medium, and 5 small tasks daily. Learn how the 1-3-5 rule can help you stay productive, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.