Oliver Burkeman is the best-selling author of Four Thousand Weeks.

In his newsletter, The Imperfectionist, he shared his 3-3-3 Method for a productive day.

How do YOU define a productive day?

Until you define it, you’ll never feel like you’re doing enough.

Make 3-3-3 your yardstick:

SUPERHUMAN SCORING

In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.

Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.

Impact (9.5/10)

Let's get right into the method.

The First 3

Spend 3 hours of deep work on your most important project.

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3-4 hrs of focused work is our cognitive limit.

For best results, complete during your highest state of energy (flow = 500% more effective).

Define a specific progress goal.

Block out distractions.

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The Second 3

Execute 3 shorter tasks.

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These are urgent to-dos.

Often, they're “sticky note” items you may be avoiding (some take only a few mins).

Examples:

• Managing: delegating, providing feedback
• Calls, meetings
• Smaller work tasks

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The Third 3

Complete 3 “maintenance activities.”

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These are items that make your life go smoothly.

Schedule time for maintenance (don't cram elsewhere).

Examples:

• Cleaning (laundry, dishes, etc.)
• Self-Improvement: exercising, journaling

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Setup (9.0/10)

Try this:

• Before wrapping up your workday, plan your 3-3-3 for tomorrow
• Write down your 3-3-3 in a visible place
• Time block your calendar for those activities

This is how I’ve grown an online audience of 950K+ in 11 months. My first three is writing for 3 hours (and publishing) every morning.

Maintenance (7.0/10)

I write my 3-3-3 plan on a card, which is kept on my desk (helpful visual cue).

I use Ugmonks’ minimalist analog wood cardholder.

A simple pleasure? Checking off an important to-do.

Sidenote: I use more sophisticated digital tools—like Trello—to manage complex projects (such as building an online course). You can refer to tools like this to determine your 3-3-3.

BRINGING IT HOME

That's Burkeman's 3-3-3 Method for a productive day.

Who's in?

All systems go,

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Resources

• Newsletter Archive: Read past issues of System Sunday
• Creator Method: Grow & monetize your audience
• [Quick Win] Phone Charger Challenge: Save 60 hours every year with this simple morning hack