1-3-5 rule for productivity

1-3-5 Rule for Productivity: Simplify Your To-Do List

Struggling to Get Through Your Daily To-Do List?

Meet Sarah, a busy marketing manager whose workday feels like a whirlwind.

She starts her day facing a long to-do list:

Build a social media strategy
Review blog drafts
Schedule team meetings
Reply to dozens of emails
Update a client presentation

By noon, she’s overwhelmed and unsure what to prioritize. Sound familiar?

If you’re battling long lists and scattered focus, the 1-3-5 Rule might be the productivity method you need.

What Is the 1-3-5 Rule?

The 1-3-5 Rule is a simple yet powerful approach to organizing your day. Here’s how it works:

✅ 1 Big Task — Your most important, high-impact activity of the day.
✅ 3 Medium Tasks — Significant but less demanding items.
✅ 5 Small Tasks — Quick wins that don’t require much effort.

This structured task management method helps you focus on what truly matters, avoid decision fatigue, and end your day with a sense of accomplishment.

How Sarah Uses the 1-3-5 Rule

Let’s revisit Sarah’s workday and see how she applies the 1-3-5 method:

Big Task (1)

Develop the social media strategy — She blocks 3 focused hours for this high-impact project.

Medium Tasks (3)

Review blog drafts
Prepare a client presentation
Schedule a team meeting

Small Tasks (5)

Reply to emails
Approve design assets
Review campaign analytics
Send calendar invites
Check vendor invoices

By assigning weight to each task and planning accordingly, Sarah gains clarity, control, and calm—no more scrambling or multitasking.

Why the 1-3-5 Rule Works

Prioritization – Forces you to choose what’s truly important
Mental clarity – Reduces overwhelm and helps avoid decision fatigue
Time management – Aligns tasks with energy levels throughout the day
Adaptability – Works whether you’re managing projects, leading a team, or setting personal goals

Whether you’re in marketing, development, design, or project management, the 1-3-5 productivity rule brings structure to your workflow.