Rule of Three

Overview

The Rule of Three is a simple and effective way to prioritize your tasks based on your goals, values, and priorities. It was introduced by J.D. Meier in his book "Getting Results the Agile Way" as a way to help people master productivity, time management, and work-life balance.

Core Concept

Only three tasks and activities account for 90% of the value of the contribution you make. Before you begin work each day, decide the three things you want to accomplish by the end of the day, and do the same at the beginning of each week.

How It Works

The approach operates across multiple time horizons:

• Three priorities each day
• Three priorities each week
• Three priorities each month
• Three priorities each quarter
• Three priorities each year
• Three priorities for your life

Implementation Steps

1. End of Day Planning: Before finishing work, identify your three most important tasks for tomorrow
2. Weekly Planning: At the start of each week, determine your three key objectives
3. Monthly Review: Set three major goals to achieve within the month
4. Prioritize Ruthlessly: Focus only on these three items before moving to less important tasks

Benefits

Focus and Clarity

It forces you to prioritize, keeping you focused on what really matters, instead of spinning your wheels and later finding valuable time wasted.

Reduced Overwhelm

It helps you to reduce clutter, stress, and procrastination by limiting your choices and focusing your attention.

Achievable Goals

Three items is manageable but meaningful - not so few that you're under-utilizing time, not so many that you're overwhelmed.

Better Decision-Making

Clarifies what deserves attention and what can wait or be delegated.

Comparison with Other Methods

Unlike the Ivy Lee Method (six tasks) or single MIT approach (one task), the Rule of Three strikes a balance between focus and flexibility, allowing for meaningful progress on multiple fronts while maintaining clarity.

Application Tips

• Choose tasks that align with your broader goals
• Make priorities specific and actionable
• Review and adjust as circumstances change
• Celebrate completion of your three priorities
• Use remaining time for less critical tasks

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Choosing too many "priorities" defeats the purpose
• Selecting only easy tasks instead of important ones
• Failing to complete priorities before moving to other work
• Not reviewing progress regularly

Long-term Impact

By consistently applying the Rule of Three, you ensure that daily activities align with broader goals, creating momentum toward significant achievements while maintaining sustainable productivity.