What is the 1-3-5 Approach? A Simple Way to Boost Your Productivity

Introduction to the 1-3-5 Approach

Well, if you're anything like me, you've probably tried several productivity techniques over the years, but there’s one that really stands out to me—the 1-3-5 approach. This method is simple, effective, and a real game-changer when it comes to tackling your daily tasks. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. It breaks your day into manageable chunks that feel achievable, and honestly, it works wonders for staying focused and feeling accomplished.

I first stumbled upon the 1-3-5 approach when I was looking for a way to stay more organized. Honestly, my to-do list was becoming overwhelming, and I needed something that could cut through the noise. That’s when I found out that the 1-3-5 approach was exactly what I needed to help me get back on track.

How Does the 1-3-5 Approach Work?

Breaking Down the Numbers

Okay, so let’s get to the core of it. The 1-3-5 approach is a method where you focus on:

• 1 big task

• 3 medium tasks

• 5 small tasks

This simple framework helps you prioritize what really matters, while still making progress on smaller, less urgent tasks. It’s a system that allows you to tackle your day without feeling overwhelmed. When I first started using it, I was amazed at how much more I could accomplish in a single day, and how much clearer my priorities became.

The Psychology Behind It

The beauty of this system, in my opinion, is that it doesn’t overwhelm you with an endless list of to-dos. By limiting yourself to just one major task, three medium-sized tasks, and five smaller ones, you’re essentially telling yourself that you don’t have to do everything today. It takes the pressure off. Instead of staring at a daunting list, you’re focused on your priorities. And honestly, that shift in mindset can be liberating.

The Benefits of the 1-3-5 Approach

Clarity and Focus

One thing I’ve noticed since adopting the 1-3-5 approach is that I’ve become much clearer on what truly matters each day. No more wondering where to start or getting distracted by random tasks. It forces me to prioritize and focus. When I do this, I feel like I’m moving the needle on the things that matter most, and it’s incredibly satisfying to check off that one big task at the end of the day.

Simplicity and Achievability

Another benefit of this method is that it makes each day feel achievable. A huge to-do list can sometimes paralyze you, especially when there are too many tasks that feel equally important. But with the 1-3-5 approach, you know exactly what you need to focus on. I’ll be honest, there are days when I’ve felt like I was drowning in work, but after using this method, even the busiest days seem manageable. And when you’re able to check things off, the sense of accomplishment is real.

Avoiding Overwhelm

I’ve had my fair share of days where I looked at my never-ending list of things to do and just felt exhausted before I even started. But with the 1-3-5 method, I’ve found that I can avoid that feeling of overwhelm. By breaking things into bite-sized chunks, I can focus on what I can realistically accomplish. It’s like when you go grocery shopping with a list—if you have a clear list, it’s way easier to stick to it.

Practical Tips for Implementing the 1-3-5 Approach

Set Your Big Task First

Honestly, when I use this method, I always start by setting the one big task of the day. This task should be something that moves you forward significantly—something that, if completed, will make you feel like the day was a success. It could be a work project, a report, or something that’s been hanging over your head for a while. Whatever it is, it’s the priority.

Tackle Medium Tasks with Strategy

Once your big task is out of the way, move on to the three medium tasks. These are tasks that are important but not quite as urgent or impactful as the big task. They can be related to ongoing projects or smaller commitments you’ve made. I’ve found that it helps to time-block these tasks during the day when you have less energy but still want to get things done. If I know I’ve got some energy left after my big task, I dive into these.

Don't Forget the Small Tasks

The five small tasks are the little things that might be easy to overlook, but still need to be done. This could be answering a few emails, organizing your desk, or making a quick phone call. Don’t underestimate these tasks—they can add up and take up more time than you think. Honestly, I used to ignore these, but now I try to knock out these small wins between bigger tasks. They keep me moving and provide that extra sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

Real-Life Example: My Day Using the 1-3-5 Approach

Well, let me share a quick personal story. The other day, I used the 1-3-5 method, and it was the first time in weeks that I felt in control of my day. My big task was finishing a presentation for work, which had been stressing me out. I set my mind on it first thing in the morning, and once I was done, it felt like a weight had lifted. Then I moved on to three medium tasks, like reviewing some documents and planning for an upcoming meeting. Finally, I knocked out five small tasks—answering emails, scheduling appointments, and a couple of quick phone calls. By the end of the day, I felt like I had truly accomplished something significant.

Conclusion: Give the 1-3-5 Approach a Try

Honestly, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to structure your day, I highly recommend giving the 1-3-5 approach a try. It’s a simple system, but it’s incredibly powerful. It helps you focus on what matters, reduce stress, and avoid the feeling of drowning in tasks. So go ahead—pick your big task, get those medium tasks done, and knock out a few smaller ones. You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.