Menu
Editorial

The Rule of Three: A Simple Way to Get More Done Every Day

Let’s be honest—our to-do lists are getting out of hand. Between work tasks, personal errands, and that never-ending pile of “stuff” we should get around to, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day to tackle it all.

Here’s the thing: productivity isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. That’s where the Rule of Three comes in. It’s a straightforward approach that helps you focus on what truly matters each day so you can leave the chaos behind and actually get things done.

What Is the Rule of Three?

The Rule of Three is beautifully simple: at the start of your day, you pick three key tasks to focus on. These are the things that, if completed, will make you feel accomplished. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity. Instead of racing through an overwhelming list of 20 tasks and feeling burnt out, you zero in on three meaningful actions that move the needle.

This method isn’t just for daily planning—it works for your week, your month, even your year. By focusing on three key outcomes at any given level, you stay clear on what really matters, and avoid that overwhelming “where do I even start?” feeling.

Why Three Works (Hint: Your Brain Loves It)

There’s actual psychology behind why the Rule of Three is so effective. Our brains naturally gravitate toward groups of three—it’s why storytelling often has a beginning, middle, and end, and why comedians use the classic three-beat joke format. Three is the sweet spot between too little and too much. It’s manageable, memorable, and achievable.

When we focus on just three priorities, we give our brains the clarity and space to work efficiently. Compare that to juggling ten tasks at once—you end up scattering your energy without really finishing anything.

How to Apply the Rule of Three

So, how do you actually put this into practice? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Set Your Three Daily Priorities
Every morning, before diving into emails or meetings, take a moment to think about what truly matters today. What are the three most important tasks that, if completed, will make you feel productive? Write them down. These should be specific and action-oriented, not vague goals like “be productive.”

For example, instead of “work on the report,” try “draft two sections of the report.”

2. Review Your Priorities Midday
Life happens, and it’s easy to get pulled in different directions by urgent but less important tasks. Around midday, check back in with your list. Have you made progress on your three priorities? If not, refocus your energy and block out distractions.

3. Celebrate Small Wins
At the end of the day, reflect on what you accomplished. Even if you didn’t get through all three tasks perfectly, completing one or two can still be a win. The idea isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Use the Rule of Three Beyond Daily Tasks

The beauty of the Rule of Three is its flexibility. You can apply it to different timeframes and areas of your life:

Weekly Goals:
On Sunday or Monday morning, choose three key things you want to accomplish that week. These could be work projects, personal goals, or habits you want to focus on. Breaking your week down like this helps you avoid the Monday overwhelm and gives you a clear sense of direction.

Monthly or Quarterly Goals:
For longer-term planning, think about three major outcomes you want by the end of the month or quarter. Maybe it’s launching a new product, finishing a personal project, or hitting a fitness milestone.

Personal Life:
The Rule of Three isn’t just for work. You can use it to prioritize things like self-care, family time, or hobbies. For example, your three personal priorities for the day might be “go for a walk, cook a healthy dinner, and call a friend.”

What If You Don’t Get Through All Three?

Let’s face it—there will be days when life throws curveballs, and you don’t tick off all three tasks. That’s okay! The Rule of Three isn’t about rigid perfectionism; it’s about giving yourself a framework to stay focused. If you only get through one or two tasks, that’s still progress, and it’s far better than feeling scattered with no clear accomplishments.

If you find yourself consistently missing the mark, it might be worth revisiting your approach. Are you setting tasks that are too ambitious? Or are you underestimating how long things will take? Adjust accordingly, and don’t be afraid to start small.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Focused

The Rule of Three is such a game-changer because it keeps things simple. In a world that demands we do more, faster, and better, this approach invites us to slow down, focus, and prioritize. By giving yourself permission to focus on just three key things each day, you’re not only boosting your productivity—you’re also reclaiming your time, energy, and mental clarity.

About Author

Hey there! I'm Hao, the Editor-in-Chief at Balance the Grind. We’re on a mission to showcase healthy work-life balance through interesting stories from people all over the world, in different careers and lifestyles.