This Simple Trick Will Help You Feel Productive on Your Toughest Days

As an entrepreneur, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my productivity without burning out. With my constantly changing schedule, number of tasks, and new projects, some days feel like a total loss.

Recently, I’ve been on a mission to find a system that helps me feel productive after a busy day. While some days seem to be more productive than others, this method has actually helped to boost my productivity, confidence, and satisfaction with my work.

If you’re looking for a way to feel more productive on tough days try ‘The Rule of 3”. The Rule of 3 is simplifying your day by limiting your to-do list to three items. These three items should be easy enough to handle in a day’s work, but not too easy to the point that you can finish them in an hour.

Depending on the importance and complexity of each item, each task should take about 2-3 hours to complete. This way, you stay busy without feeling unaccomplished.

While I’m not into numerology, I do believe there is a sense of empowerment in dividing things into threes. A difficult project can quickly become a simpler one by breaking it up into three items.

I even use this method when writing articles. As a creative person, sometimes the thought of sitting down to complete a post is more energy consuming than the actual task. However, if I break down the assignment into a beginning, middle, and end, I’m somehow attracted to getting started.

If you’re an old-fashioned pen and paper planner like me, then simply bulleting your three items into your calendar works. Make sure to cross off each completed item at the end of the day to ensure you celebrate your accomplishment.

If having a digital to-do list is more efficient for you, then try the time blocking method. Simply input your to-dos into your calendar based on the timeline you plan to work on them. Once completed, make sure to note it and also celebrate your accomplishment.

It can be easy (and tempting) to assign yourself more than three tasks but doing so can be crushing to your self-esteem when not completed. Instead, keep a running list of items you’d like to work on in the future. When you have free time and are unsure of what to work on, you can always visit that list and conquer each item as they come up.

Remember that productivity methods are not one size fits all. Systems that work for some may not work for others, and vice versa. Continue to try different approaches until you find one that works for you.