Accomplish More with a 3-Item To Do List

In order to accomplish our most important tasks, it is essential to remain focused on them. The 3-Item To Do List accomplishes that. Here's how to get stuff done fast.

Links mentioned in video:

"What is an Enough List, Anyway?" by Melissa Camara Wilkins

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[LeMErin]

In addition to the three item to do list, I also sometimes like to keep a DONE list. After I’ve completed a task, no matter how small, I will write it on the list and immediately check it off. The DONE list isn’t always a necessity, but on tough days, those little victories can be very reassuring.

[janetstonerook]

I live alone and have to have a reminder system in place. So I keep a notebook at hand with all my ideas and a running to do list etc. Even things like shampoo, feed the cats or call a friend!
But I have the 3 important tasks for the day at the top of the sheet and I do those first. Those are my urgent items! The others I can pick or chose when and how much I do on them. There what I think of as my "piddling list". No pressure about them, just whenever I feel the urge. It works because I am kinder to myself rather than trying to crack the whip and demand I complete a page long list of tasks daily! Also, sometimes I challenge myself to complete as many tasks as possible in an hour. I can keep up my focus that long and it's amazing how much one can do when motivated!

[cathydavis]

Yes. I have 3 goals each day! So satisfying & I am determined to get those 3 things done! Today 1. Folded clothes, put them away, 2. Fixed my husband a very nice supper, 3. Completely finished tilling my vegetable garden! And it is huge! This works for me, the 3 item list! Excellent!

[leniberzins]

This has been one of the most useful suggestions to get things done and feel like progress has been made By focusing all the energy on just 3 items they get done and I can relax!

[MoonFoxASMR]

I like to keep a full list just to help my brain relax and not worry I will forget something, *then* I identify the top three on the list.

[amycarr]

I’ve been doing this for years so I don’t get so overwhelmed and therefore I find I get more done

[mmmbopbear]

I needed to hear this. I'm a homeschooling mom with five kids under 10 years old and my list of things I need/want to do can be discouraging. Especially with all the joyful "interruptions" all the day long. Thank you.

[skincaremakeup]

Thanx again for inspiring a sicilian teacher!i sometimes share the content of your videos with my students...never to early to become a minimalist!

[joeylee]

Reminds me off "make your bed everyday. If everything goes sideways, you will still go home to your made bed." I like the three things. Very SMART goals.

[bethjoy]

I've just this week started doing what I call my "easy list"... even if some of the things on the list will be hard, not easy. I know they are:
1) Doable, and 2) Important or essential. Short enough list that I can't get lost in it, so I'm not avoiding the hard things. This is my current personal approach to killing procrastination. Thanks for sharing the 3 item list idea!

[valeriehowden]

Thanks. I usually pick 3 to 5 things for a list per day. When I get them finished, I go to my optional list. I always feel like I've accomplished something. Makes the next day easier, too!

[pamt]

I love this, I just started doing this last week. Im getting more done by focusing on just 3 things. Before doing this, I was not getting much done because I felt overwhelmed by all that needed to be done.

[slb]

Great idea- there is nothing as discouraging as shifting a task from day to day and week to week its just after 9 am and I have one thing left on my list

[artfullyzen]

Love this. I'm going to start implementing this today! I have a habit of making big lists and not feeling good at the end of the day because it didn't all get done.

[adhisboucha]

Glad I logged in and saw this video. My brain was starting to feel tired (by 8am!) from the executive function necessary to manage a massive home repair that will uproot our home life for about a month. I can break this down.

[emilym]

This is fantastic and a wonderful thing, especially for those in the course that may feel like "they're" getting behind 🥴. Thank you,

[AnnieGill]

Always love your posts Joshua! Simply, easy and doable‼️ thank you ❤️🐾👍🏼🤗

[lakesnlawns]

Bless you! You have helped me change my life for the better in ways beyond just minimalism. It might sound creepy if I say, I can never ever approach buying an item without seeing your face. It deters me from doing so LOL - I have been a minimalist for over 4 years now and still working on it in many ways! I thank you again and again!

[SM-yyvg]

I tried to do a daily list and it didn’t work for me, mostly due to that I would be disappointed when I didn’t finish the list. Last week I tried a week to do list and it was easier to do.

[LittleMopeHead]

This is great because it is kind of like breaking big problems into smaller problems when trying to solve them.