Get More Done With the Rule of 3 #TBT

Today's blog post was originally published last year:

Today's blog post is based on an article from The Art of Manliness:

 According to the article:

While it’s a concept that’s been discussed in various blogs and books, author Chris Bailey defines it thusly: “At the beginning of each day, before you start working, decide what three things you want to accomplish by the end of the day. Do the same at the start of every week.”

It’s a simple, yet game-changing concept. While it’s actually fairly easy to execute, below I’ll take you through the reason it’s so important to do, as well as some quick tips for utilizing the Rule of 3 to its maximum potential.

What are the benefits of the Rule of 3?

Rather than having a running list of 10, 20, or even more items on your daily to-do list, or worse, going into a work day blind and without any direction, there come a great many benefits from simply writing down the 3 most important things you want to get done, and giving those things your laser focus and highest energy. 

• You work deliberately rather than reactively.

• Keeps you on track when you get off track.

• It’s simple enough that you’ll actually do it.

• Unimportant tasks get sloughed off.

• Keeps your supervisors/teams from getting overwhelmed.

 What are some ways to get the most out of the Rule of 3?

As noted at the top, implementing the Rule of 3 is very simple in concept: write out the 3 most important things you need to get done that day. But, there are a few tips to pass on in order to get the most out of it.

• Use the Rule of 3 not only for your day, but also your week, month, and year.

• Use a paper notebook.

• Plan the day/night before.

• Reflect.

• Be flexible.

• React when needed.

• Have a personal Rule of 3.

Since it's the start of a new year, what are the 3 most important things that you want to accomplish before next New Year's Eve? Make a list of 3 for your career/business and another list for your personal life.

Interesting days

Today - Drinking Straw Day,  Festival Of Sleep Day and Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day

Tomorrow - Pop Music Chart Day, World Braille Day, Hypnotism Day and Trivia Day

Next Thursday - Peculiar People Day, Cut Your Energy Costs Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day and Bittersweet Chocolate Day

February 3 - Carrot Cake Day, Yorkshire Pudding Day, Golden Retriever Day and Dump Your Significant Jerk Day