Time Management Game-Changer: How the 1-3-5 Rule Can Revolutionize Your Productivity

The productivity basics

Do you have any productivity system in place? 

There're countless systems to boost your productivity. The easiest one would be the well-known to-do list. This consists of writing down all your tasks and marking them once completed.

If the to-do list looks too easy for you, you could go one step further and follow the GTD method. GTD stands for "Getting Things Done" and it categorizes the tasks, so you can manage them accordingly.

If you're a productivity master, then you could increase one complexity level and put in place one organizational system. 

The PARA system is the perfect match for the GTD. It categorizes your workspace into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archive. This system was created by Thiago Forte.

In today's post, I'll share with you the 1-3-5 rule, which will enhance your to-do list and boost your productivity. 

Let's go!

Introducing the 1-2-3 Rule

The 1-3-5 rule is easy to understand, you'll start identifying 1 major task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 small tasks. 

OK cool, but what is a major task?

Let's categorize them:

• Major tasks: Takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
• Medium tasks: Takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
• Small tasks: Takes less than 1 hour to complete.

Once you identified your tasks, you'll start executing the major and will finish with the small tasks. 

Tips to follow the rule

I'll list some tips that will help you to follow the 1-3-5 rule.

Use productivity apps: You can use apps that are designed for this rule.

You should take the activity of listing your tasks as a brainstorming session. Dump all your brain data into that file. 

Ask this question for all the tasks you'll be listing: Could this task be delegated or eliminated? 

We start with the major task because once it's completed you already got momentum and can be fully focused on medium and small tasks

If you are already doing to-do lists, you know that feeling when you emptied your brain. This will reduce your stress level.

Final thoughts

We started this post by listing some productivity systems and their complexity. It's important to say that sometimes, complex doesn't mean good. 

The 1-3-5 rule is one example. 

It will take you a few minutes to understand and master this rule, and you'll start feeling the boost you gain instantly.

I would love to read your comments. If you prefer you can also send me a DM on Twitter.

By the way, if you liked what you read, let's connect.