First, let me give credit where credit is due. It was Melissa Camara Wilkins who first introduced me to the 3-Item To Do List.
I have used it ever since. And I’d love to recommend it to you.
For most of my life, I was the person with a mile long to-do list next to me at all times, often carrying over from day-to-day and week-to-week. But no longer.
For the past several months, I have been using a 3-Item To Do List exclusively—and I have found it to increase my productivity and work satisfaction significantly.
The 3-Item To Do List is as simple and profound as it sounds. At the beginning of each day, I take time to identify and articulate the three most important items for me to accomplish.
For example, my To Do List for today consists of these three items:
- Write a blog post for Becoming Minimalist
- Set agenda for our next Hope Effect Board of Directors’ Meeting
- Put final touches on an article pitch for a major publication
That’s it! Three items—all significant, all important, all entirely manageable.
Now, almost certainly, there are other work-related things I will do today: post to Facebook, answer e-mail, text a peer. But my three main identified projects will always take precedence.
The short list approach keeps me focused on the most important tasks I need to accomplish.
But I have found other benefits as well. The shorter list keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. The shorter list also helps me overcome procrastination—the finish line is always in sight.
Additionally, and equally important, the 3-Item List provides a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. This benefit is the main one that Melissa articulates—she even refers to it as an “Enough List.” When the list is completed, there is a sense of finality. She says it like this:
Now instead of ending each day feeling like I’ve fallen behind, I have a built-in sense of accomplishment in the evenings. I finished my three things! I did what mattered most!
The importance of identifying the three most important things to accomplish in a day is revolutionary regardless of where you apply it. It is a helpful productivity hack at work. It can be used equally well by a stay-at-home mom or dad. It can be uniquely tailored for a hobby or side-business.
In order to accomplish our most important tasks, it is essential to remain focused on them. The 3-Item To Do List accomplishes that and requires you to identify them anew each morning.
Matt Kohn says
Great post! This tip is really helpful in becoming more focused on what matters most. Sometimes, the longer the list, the more disoriented and unfocused we are. Thanks for this! :)
Lisa Romeo says
I have been doing this, instinctually, for years. Didn’t know it was a real thing. I just call it my 1-2-3 Rule. Long to do lists are overwhelming. But who can’t do 3 things?
Ed Auzenbergs says
I find that this type of clear and feasible guidance represents 90% of the truly helpful information that is published today. Too much of the info clutter is just escapism & distraction & noise. Like Stephen Covey pointed out, (and as John referenced in an earlier comment) take care of the big rocks first.
It is the only way that I have found to keep making steady progress toward my much bigger goals. Break them down into important milestones, and tackle only a few of them each day or each weekend. Thank you!
Rose Sultana says
thanks – I love this idea. I have also carried a long unmanageable list of things I thought had to get done. this helps me to focus.
Carolyn says
In just a few weeks I will be 83 years old, and I am grateful for the blessings of every day – to be able to still do so much and to be able to think clearly, to have friends and family. But… almost every day I have a sense of frustration, even a sense of failure, because all that I can no longer get done. I don’t keep an organized written to do list, but the mental list is long and hounds me. It is possible to be grateful, recognizing the good, and still want to reach out for more – more to be, more to do, more to accomplish. This very day I will start the 3 item list and use that for my focus. Thank you for this wonderful idea.
Krista says
For the past few years part of my morning routine has been to identify my top 3 goals for the day. They are not always specific work tasks, however; sometimes they are more about connection or taking time to pause and rest. But getting clear on my top 3 helps me live a more purposeful, joyful life:)
Thea Dunlap says
This a good tool that will help me on my work everyday. It is sometimes chaotic when working at a home base job for me. Had to balance work and home since I am the errand girl in the house. Thanks for sharing.
Candice Hohenwald says
This is a great tool for me to implement! I am awful about having 20+ items on my to-do list, setting reminders, and carrying them over day to day. I never feel accomplished when I do that. I will definitely start the 3 item to-do list! Thanks for sharing!
Nate Billimack says
Implementing this exercise made me realize how UNfocused I really am. I watched myself trying to do my three activities this morning, and I ended up having to stop sidebar activities several times to plough through. I’ve decided my plan will be to just make a new three item list once I finish the first one. I’m thinking I will find a way to apply this theory to my finances as well.
Jennifer says
I’m going to try this starting today! I’ve definitely found myself getting distracted by all the little things lately and overlooking my ‘big rocks’ … hopefully this helps :)