How to organize your day with the 1-3-5 rule
In today’s fast-paced world, time has become one of our most valuable resources. We all aim to get as much done as possible, but often find ourselves postponing important tasks while less significant ones fill up our schedules. The 1-3-5 rule offers a simple way to structure your day and focus on what truly matters, without overwhelming yourself. How does it work, and why is it so effective?
What is the 1-3-5 rule?
The 1-3-5 rule is a simple method for planning your day. Instead of creating long, daunting to-do lists, you select just nine tasks for the day:
1 major task (your main goal of the day)
3 medium tasks (important, but not as large in scope)
5 small tasks (minor tasks that still need to be done)
Why does it work?
Our brains love structure and limits. When faced with an endless to-do list, we often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. The 1-3-5 rule helps you focus on the most important tasks and allows for smarter time management.
The big task
This is the task that brings the greatest impact—like completing a project, preparing for a crucial meeting, or writing an article.
Science backs this up: Research shows that our brains can focus on high-efficiency work for about 2-4 hours a day. Choosing one big task ensures you’re maximizing that productivity window.
Medium task
These are important tasks that take less time but still matter—such as responding to emails, preparing reports, or meeting a client.
You can tackle these during moments when your energy dips, but you can still work productively.
Small Tasks
These are the small things that need to get done, like grocery shopping, paying bills, or making calls.
Completing these gives you a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated. They also free your mind from distractions.
How to use the 1-3-5 rule in real life
Morning planning: Start your day by creating your 1-3-5 list. What’s the most important task today? Choose one big task that must get done, no matter what.
Time allocation: Use your most productive hours for the big task. Spread the medium tasks throughout the day, and reserve the small tasks for the end of the day or in between other activities.
Stay flexible: If you don’t complete everything, it’s okay. The 1-3-5 list is flexible, and you can carry some tasks over to the next day.
Think of your big task as an elephant 🐘, the medium tasks as dogs 🐕, and the small tasks as ants 🐜. You can’t eat an elephant all at once, so you break it into parts. Ants are easy to catch, and dogs need to be “walked” occasionally. This is how the rule works: the big task takes more time, while the small tasks are just details you can quickly check off!
Print it out and start using it right away, or keep it handy for digital planning!
Try our 1-3-5 Rule Planner to effortlessly organize your day! This planner helps you focus on what matters most by allowing you to tackle one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks each day. Perfect for digital planning or printing, it’s a handy tool for any task at hand. This planner is an essential resource for boosting productivity, reducing stress, and achieving your goals. Download our PDF planner for effective daily planning and watch your efficiency soar!