The Fastest Way to a Productive Day

One Big, Three Medium, Five Small Tasks.

Start the day with a long list of tasks? By noon, half of it’s untouched. By evening, it’s forgotten.

The 1–3–5 method breaks that cycle.

It’s simple. Choose 1 big task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 small tasks. That’s your day.

It forces you to be realistic. Focus on what matters most.

Start with your big task. This is the one thing that moves your work forward. It might take a few hours. It might be mentally demanding. Choose something that deserves your full attention.

A writer’s big task might be “Finish draft of article.” A designer’s might be “Build homepage wireframe.” A teacher’s might be “Prepare next week’s lesson plan.”

Then pick three medium tasks. These are important but not as heavy. Perhaps 30–60 minutes each. They help stay on track.

Review edits from yesterday

Send invoice to client

Organize notes for next meeting

Finally, choose five small tasks. Quick wins, less than 15 minutes. They’re cleanup and reminders.

Reply to two emails

Schedule dentist appointment

Update calendar

Water plants

Backup files

Once you build your 1–3–5 list, write it down. Keep it visible. Don’t add tasks unless it’s urgent.

This avoids decision fatigue. Don’t waste time figuring out what to do next. You made the plan.

Adjust the method when needed. If your day is packed, only tackle the big task and two small ones. The method is flexible.

On a travel day, you might write:

Big. Pack and prep for trip

Medium. Confirm hotel, send itinerary, charge devices

Small. Print boarding pass, grab snacks, check weather, set alarm, lock windows

Stop chasing productivity and start working with intention.

Try it tomorrow. Write your 1 big, 3 medium, and 5 small tasks. Stick to it. You’ll finish more than you expect and feel better doing it.