Lazy Productivity: 10 Simple Ways to Do Only Three Things Today

Andrew Galasetti Says:

January 29th, 2008, 22:58 pm

Great article and very interesting topic.

-Andrew

Zack Says:

January 29th, 2008, 23:06 pm

This article had a lot in common with the 20/80 rule. In our day to day lives 20% of the things we do are the most important things and 80% are much less important.

That 20% can be those three important things you choose.

I really like this blog. Great job.

Zack

Emile Petrone Says:

January 29th, 2008, 23:31 pm

Great post! I have the habit of trying to rush through a ton of different things, and this definitely hits home!
Thanks!

Kristy Says:

January 29th, 2008, 23:43 pm

Hey Leo, great article!

I’ve been following the 3 lists of 3 recommended in your “30 tips….working at home” article. It’s only been a few days, but I do feel I’m accomplishing more by focusing on a shorter list (than I used before) in the way you suggested.

I have also found that I haven’t had much time left in a day for list number 2 and especially 3; so, when necessary I’ve carried those over to the next day’s number 1 list.

So, I see this article more as reality than lazy. (Unless, of course the “to-do’s” are really small). ;)

I ponder this, however. You say you are a very early riser, so you could actually have your 8-10 hour day in before lunch. Could that be the reason you need a daily nap? Just curious.

Clare Siobhan Says:

January 30th, 2008, 1:10 am

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to share a quick mini-success story related to the 10 Zen To Done habits and the other suggestions from the e-book, (one of which is to limit yourself to 3 daily main tasks, so my comment sort of relates to this post…)

My success story is about Leo’s suggestion to work on one habit at a time, rather than trying to do a complete lifestyle overhaul all at once.

I’m doing Leo’s 10 habits in order, so for January I’m working on Collect–capturing every thought and thing-to-do that comes to mind in one place (I use the Hipster PDA) and tossing the cards in one inbox at the end of the day. I’m also working on a personal habit this month: going to bed on time.

Next month it’s getting up on time. The great thing about limiting yourself to one habit at a time is that it gives you the freedom and peace of mind to “slack off” on some other habit for now, knowing that you’ll get to it later. This month, I have been lazing around in the morning, most definitely not always getting up on time, but that’s okay–I’m going to bed on time this month and next month I’ll add getting up on time.

Takes the pressure off: you do not have to become an amazing, super-organized and accomplished person overnight.

Note: I’m breaking my going to bed on time rule slightly by posting this–but no worries! There’s a massive blizzard tonight where I live and I probably won’t be going anywhere tomorrow! Tra la!

peace,
Clare
blogging at Always Advent

banji Says:

January 30th, 2008, 1:23 am

Great tips! :) To tell you the truth, I have never tried “Doing Only 3 Things Per Day”. Will give it a try immediately

I particularly love the idea of cheating your mind by putting a fourth things to do. I actually do this on my things to do every day. But not exactly

What I did was listing 10 things to do for the day. Most of the time I will finish at least three :) Can this be considered as cheating the mind too?

LessonInLife.com

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

January 30th, 2008, 2:02 am

I love the idea of using a fourth task to help you do the other three. Can’t wait to try it!

Leo Says:

January 30th, 2008, 8:24 am

@Clare: Thanks for sharing your success story! I’d love to hear progress reports each month as you work your way through the habits! :)

Morgan Says:

January 30th, 2008, 8:24 am

I love the idea of the 3 important tasks, but I can’t seem to make it work with school. It’s really hard to figure out how to implement this rule when you have 4 or 5 different classes and every assignment is for points…

David Says:

January 30th, 2008, 10:05 am

Morgan,

When I was at college I created a program (very basic) in Visual Basic 6 called “The Assignment Organiser”. Essentially it allowed me to add assignments, start dates, due dates, comments, current grade, final grade etc. and it could be changed to work with University Grading Systems (Pass, Merit, Distinction) or A-Level style (A, B, C, D, etc).

I’ve got it on my laptop at home but I’m at work at the minute and if you want it then just shoot me an email (davzie at davzie.com). It’s dead simple but it’s amazing how it helped me get through all of my work quite easily and stress-free!

Xtine Says:

January 30th, 2008, 11:12 am

This article reminded me of the pareto principle. I’ve been using pareto for the past 4 years for work but never really thought of it as a tool to help me in my non-work life. Selecting (and doing) 3 things makes your day have more purpose, I think. I’ll keep in mind some of the tips you provided, especially now that I have more free time.

Daniel Richard Says:

January 30th, 2008, 12:10 pm

Cool post! The most effective part about being lazy and productive - you become a super fast and efficient finisher of tasks and stuffs!

Double Danger Says:

January 30th, 2008, 14:37 pm

Leo… another great read, you have me addicted… hoping that I can count reading your latest entries as one of my 3 each day. haha

Really - choosing things with a big impact has helped me alot. If I only get around to getting one thing done, but the impact is great… it will make a big difference.

Thanks again for the article. Keep ‘em comin’!

Susan Says:

January 30th, 2008, 15:48 pm

As soon as I read the article I made out my list of 3 +1. So far today #1 is done and #2 is underway! The rest will be done before the day is through. I think I could be on to something here. Thanks so much for your ideas!

Suzanne Says:

January 30th, 2008, 18:21 pm

Leo,

I love this article. I just discovered your blog a couple of days ago and put you on my RSS feed.

This is such a timely article for me. I’ve transitioned from a full-time job to work at home with some outside projects to provide “bread and butter” income.

As far as work at home, I found that with all this freedom I have so many writing projects started and creative ideas I want to try that I find it hard to focus. I’ve tried different ways of making lists as well as just following my creative feelings — they all work to some extent, but I still want more focus. I’ll make my list of three right now!

Thanks, Leo.

Albert | UrbanMonk.Net Says:

January 30th, 2008, 19:56 pm

Hey Leo, that was a great post - working my way (lazily) through the list, haha!

Cheers,
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net
Modern personal development, entwined with ancient spirituality.

Suzie Cheel Says:

January 30th, 2008, 19:58 pm

Great post Leo, You have inspired me, Task one done this morning, off to do task 2.

Thank you

julie Says:

January 31st, 2008, 11:26 am

The one thing I love about this post is that it is human nature to procrastinate and be lazy; you have enabled a bad habit with productivity. I am a very productive person, but I try and put too much into a day and then feel very exhausted. Yet knowing of people that do nothing all day, leave me feeling like i have to make up for them, so it is a great balance.

OldTricksNewDog Says:

January 31st, 2008, 12:40 pm

@Claire

I am glad to hear of your success also. I have decided to do monthly challenges and eventually want to use the ZTD ebook as my guide.

I am going to try to set a few basic habits first and then move into the ZTD habits.

Wil Says:

January 31st, 2008, 14:50 pm

You forgot one…..
Jot down your list on a small piece of paper and cross off items as they’re completed. This may not work for everyone but people that are less than organized with task completion or task managment really get off on crossing those finished items off the list. Plus you have a ‘hardcopy’ crossed off list of competed items ready to show the world that your not a complete lazy-ass!! Your list proves it!

Alex Liu Says:

February 1st, 2008, 6:06 am

Awesome article you have recommended. I found myself love to use “Celebrate by taking a nap!” in the list.

Number 2 is something that opens my eye. It is true I always have the habit of doing things that is urgent than things that give me bigger impact and make huge difference to me.

Thanks for recommending this good article!

Alex Liu
How To Become A Millionaire
http://secretsofunlimitedwealth.com