How to be 5x more productive.
A best-selling author’s 3-3-3 Method:
Oliver Burkeman is the best-selling author of “Four Thousand Weeks.”
Recently, he shared his 3-3-3 Method for a productive day.
How do YOU define a productive day?
Until you define it, you’ll never feel like you’re doing enough.
Make 3-3-3 your yardstick:
The First 3
Spend 3 hours of deep work on your most important project.
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3-4 hrs of focused work is our cognitive limit.
For best results, complete during your highest state of energy (flow = 500% more effective).
Define a specific progress goal.
Block out distractions.
The Second 3
Execute 3 shorter tasks.
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These are urgent to-dos.
Often, they're “sticky note” items you may be avoiding (some take only a few mins).
Examples:
• Managing: delegating, providing feedback
• Calls, meetings
• Smaller work tasks
The Third 3
Complete 3 “maintenance activities.”
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These are items that make your life go smoothly.
Schedule time for maintenance (don't cram elsewhere).
Examples:
• Cleaning (laundry, dishes, etc.)
• Self-Improvement: exercising, journaling
In summary, 3-3-3 Method:
• 3 hours on your most important project
• 3 shorter tasks
• 3 maintenance activities
Defining a “productive day” like 3-3-3 is crucial.
Or else you’ll never be at peace (even with excellent output).