Do More With the 3-3-3 Method

Sometimes determining which projects you should dedicate your time and energy to first requires energy that you don’t have to spare (that’s why we have tips on how to do it ). But even when you know what tasks need to be completed, you still need to figure out how to prioritize them. Try the 3-3-3 method.

What is the 3-3-3 method?

This method belongs to Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals ($13.99). He advocates planning each work day in a 3-3-3 pattern, first devoting three hours to deep work on your most important project. Then complete three other urgent tasks that do not require three hours of concentration. Finally, complete three “maintenance” tasks such as cleaning, answering emails, or scheduling other work.

Why the 3-3-3-method works

What makes this method different from other productivity hacks is the first three hours of deep work. By approaching them first, you will be fresh, focused, and more likely to be able to get to the task without distraction. Free these three hours from emails, text messages, chatter, or other menial duties as much as possible. (Check out our full guide to deep work here .)

Deep work is highly productive, so you’ll get a lot done if you do it, but you can’t stay with that mindset forever. You’ll peak in about three hours, so it’s best to prepare three other, smaller tasks so you can stay productive even as you switch to less demanding duties.

Finally, your maintenance tasks give you the opportunity to get things done while giving your brain a break. This technique is similar to ” eating the frog “—or doing the hardest task first—because you’ll feel the same sense of relief as you move on to smaller tasks. Use maintenance time to get ready for work the next day, or to put the finishing touches on what you’ve been working on during those three hours of hard work.