This task prioritization method helps to work more efficiently
How to work efficiently (photo: Freepik)
Sometimes determining which projects deserve your time and energy can be exhausting. However, even when you know which tasks need to be completed, you still need to prioritize them for effective work.
Lifehacker reveals a method that can help improve work efficiency.
What is the 3-3-3 method
This time management and task planning method was developed by Oliver Burkeman, the author of the book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. His approach to effective work involves planning each workday using the 3-3-3 model.
First, three hours are dedicated to meticulous work on the most important project. Then, you should complete three other urgent tasks that, despite their urgency, do not require significant concentration.
Finally, you should tackle three additional tasks, such as tidying up, answering emails, or planning future projects.
How and why does the 3-3-3 method work
This method sets itself apart from other productivity hacks by prioritizing the first three most productive hours – starting with the toughest tasks.
At the beginning of the workday, most people are less fatigued, thus concentration is significantly better. This means there's a higher chance of diving into work without getting distracted by other matters.
However, it's crucial during these three hours to minimize distractions like notifications, chatting, and other tasks.
Maintaining focus during these working hours yields significant productivity, undoubtedly improving results – yet it's unsustainable to maintain such pace constantly.
After approximately three hours, resources start depleting, so it's best to have three other, smaller tasks lined up and ready to go, allowing you to stay productive even when transitioning to less demanding duties.
Moreover, tackling the hardest tasks first provides a sense of relief when moving on to less challenging ones.
Finally, more routine tasks – like planning the next workday or compiling a content plan – provide an opportunity to work while giving your brain a break.
Simultaneously, these three hours can be used to wrap up or review tasks from the initial three hours.
Because lighter tasks during the pprecedingreceding hours help alleviate the workload, enabling you to regain the concentration necessary for tackling the most important projects.
Read on to understand how to recognize when a job is toxic and it's time to quit.
