The 1-3-5 Rule: Prioritize Daily Tasks by Listing 1 Big, 3 Medium, and 5 Small Tasks

“By breaking down your tasks into one big, three medium, and five small, you create a manageable and balanced to-do list.”-Productivity Guru

The 1-3-5 Rule is a simple yet effective productivity method that helps individuals manage their daily tasks. It is designed to bring structure and focus to one’s day, which can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and improved overall productivity. The framework divides tasks into three categories: one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks. This division ensures that important goals are prioritized while still allowing time for smaller tasks that also need attention. Several authors, including S.J. Scott, Lindsey Ellefson, Eliza Frakes, and Viesturs Abelis, have explored how this rule can help individuals become more productive and achieve excellence.

At its core, the 1-3-5 Rule breaks down tasks into three distinct groups. These categories reflect the priority and difficulty of tasks, helping individuals organise their day more efficiently. The "big task" is the most important thing you need to accomplish in a day. According to S.J. Scott in his work on the 1-3-5 Rule, this task should be something that requires a lot of effort and focus. It is often a task that, when completed, brings the most significant progress towards your goals. This might be a work-related task, a personal goal, or something that demands deep concentration. It’s key to choose just one big task so that you can give it the time and attention it needs. Scott emphasises that focusing on one major task reduces overwhelm and helps you make meaningful strides.

The three medium tasks, while not as demanding as the big task, still require time and focus. These are often tasks that support your bigger goals but don’t need the same level of effort. Lindsey Ellefson, in her exploration of the 1-3-5 Method, suggests that these tasks could involve things like attending a meeting, completing a report, or working on a project. These are important tasks, but they won’t consume as much time or energy as the big task. Ellefson notes that the medium tasks should still push you forward but can be handled more flexibly throughout the day.

The five small tasks are typically those small, sometimes repetitive tasks that still need to get done. These could include things like responding to emails, scheduling appointments, or running errands. While these tasks don’t have the same level of importance as the big or medium tasks, they help keep life organised and running smoothly. Eliza Frakes, who discusses the 1-3-5 Rule in her writing, highlights that these small tasks are not the focus of your day but should not be ignored. They contribute to your overall productivity, even if they don’t seem significant on their own.

The simplicity of the 1-3-5 Rule is one of its greatest strengths. By limiting the number of tasks in each category, it prevents you from becoming overwhelmed. Many people have long to-do lists filled with tasks of varying importance, which can be daunting. The 1-3-5 Rule offers a structured approach, allowing you to prioritise without feeling like you need to tackle everything at once.

Viesturs Abelis, in his explanation of the 1-3-5 Rule, notes that this method forces you to make choices. You can’t fill your list with too many tasks, so you’re encouraged to focus on what really matters. This approach promotes clarity and ensures that your most important work gets done. Furthermore, the balance of one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks creates a well-rounded day. You accomplish important things without burning out, and the small tasks help keep you motivated by providing a sense of progress.

One of the key benefits of the 1-3-5 Rule is that it helps individuals achieve excellence by promoting consistent, focused effort. When you start each day knowing exactly what you need to accomplish, it reduces procrastination and allows you to work more efficiently. The rule is not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

The 1-3-5 Rule helps individuals focus on what truly matters by prioritising tasks. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get distracted by less important activities. S.J. Scott emphasises that the one big task each day should align with your long-term goals. By making sure that the most important task gets done first, you ensure that you are consistently moving towards your objectives. This focus on high-priority tasks is crucial for achieving excellence in any area of life.

The balance between big, medium, and small tasks also helps to avoid burnout. If every task on your list were of equal importance, it would be exhausting to get through the day. The 1-3-5 Rule, as Lindsey Ellefson discusses, recognises that not every task requires the same amount of effort. You can be productive without overloading yourself by balancing your workload. This balance is key to maintaining both productivity and well-being over the long term, which is essential for achieving sustained excellence.

Completing the five small tasks gives you a sense of accomplishment, even if those tasks are minor. This feeling of progress can build momentum, motivating you to tackle the more challenging tasks on your list. Eliza Frakes points out that the small tasks are like stepping stones; they don’t take much time but provide a psychological boost. This momentum is important for staying on track and continuing to make progress day after day.

The 1-3-5 Rule encourages consistency. Every day, you work towards your goals in a structured way. Even on days when you feel less motivated, the small and medium tasks ensure that you’re still moving forward. Viesturs Abelis highlights that this method isn’t just about tackling big projects; it’s about maintaining consistent effort. Excellence is often the result of steady, daily work rather than sporadic bursts of activity. The 1-3-5 Rule provides a framework for that steady progress.

The 1-3-5 Rule is an effective method for prioritising daily tasks; it ensures that you focus on what matters most without becoming overwhelmed. The method encourages consistency, prevents burnout, and builds momentum, all of which are essential for achieving excellence.

As a husband, father, researcher, teacher, YouTuber, author, and mentor for young men, I’ve just come across the 1-3-5 Rule, and it seems like it could be a practical way to manage my many responsibilities. The rule suggests focusing on one big task, three medium tasks, and five smaller ones each day. This structure looks like it can help me stay organised and productive despite the variety of roles I handle. Whether it’s prioritising family time, conducting research, preparing lessons, creating content, writing, or mentoring, the 1-3-5 Rule seems like it could provide the balance and focus needed to make steady progress in each area.

S.J. Scott, Lindsey Ellefson, Eliza Frakes, and Viesturs Abelis each offer valuable insights into how the 1-3-5 Rule can help individuals boost productivity and achieve their goals. Are you aiming to complete a major project or just get through a busy day? The 1-3-5 Rule provides a clear and structured way to approach your tasks. Stay focused, work efficiently, and ultimately achieve excellence in your endeavours by consistently following this method.

If you are aged from 18-40 years and you like the idea of belonging to a community of excellent and righteous young men or you are even above 40 and you’d like to be one of our mentors, feel very free to join the Real Boys Forum (RBF) by clicking on https://bit.ly/therbf.

#ejdansu #realboysforum #decisionmaking #behaviouraleconomics #the135Rule