Written by: February 19, 2023
How to define a productive day. A best-selling author’s 3-3-3 Method:
A System For
Working Smarter, Not Harder
Product
N/A
Price
Free
Principle-First
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.
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
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
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,
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