Unlocking the Power of Flexibility in Productivity Systems

Chapter 1: Embracing the Magic of Threes

The concept of three has always seemed a bit enchanting to me. Triangles balance weight, tripods stand firm, and our perception operates in three dimensions. In photography, the rule of thirds guides composition, and theatrical performances are often structured in three acts. It appears that advice frequently gravitates towards the number three. However, sometimes this number can be a little ambiguous.

I've previously discussed productivity and goal-setting, often incorporating my experiences with ADHD into the conversation. Although I typically advocate for focusing on three main tasks or stages, I must admit that I occasionally stray from my own recommendations.

Just Three Tasks

Years back, a manager shared a story about a prominent entrepreneur who maintained a daily list of three tasks to complete before calling it a day. Whether this figure was Rockefeller or Carnegie doesn't matter much; what does matter is that he had the privilege to dictate his own workday so liberally, an approach that may not apply to most of us. Still, I endeavored to adopt this method.

Recently, I encountered the 3–3–3 Method introduced by Sahil Bloom, which resonated with me due to its more pragmatic approach. This technique suggests dedicating three hours to your most significant task, tackling three shorter tasks, and completing three maintenance activities. I found this framework appealing, as it confirmed my own inclinations.

As I mentioned earlier, I find these ideas valuable. I'm even developing my own system that echoes this approach, but my ADHD challenges make it clear that rigid structures often don't work for me.

Sometimes 3–3–3 Might Mean 3–3–5 or 4–6–0

A crucial aspect of my workflow relies on adaptability. While I appreciate having a system and a schedule, I also need the freedom to adjust them spontaneously. This tendency can disrupt a meticulously planned calendar. When organizing my tasks for today or tomorrow, I prefer to use a pencil instead of a pen.

Typically, I maintain a list of active tasks that might take two to four hours, alongside a variety of shorter tasks, sometimes referred to as maintenance activities. The essence of productivity for me lies in this flexibility.

Flexibility is essential for an ADHD mind—and perhaps yours too—for several reasons:

Overwhelm: There are days when tackling a three-hour task feels daunting, so I chip away at smaller tasks instead.
Hyper-focus: Occasionally, I become so engrossed in a task that I overlook smaller tasks altogether.
Distraction: Often, I struggle to recall what I was doing just moments ago, making it tough to stick to a plan.

Creating My Own Version of Three

A few months ago, I would have labeled my Productivity System as "3 Things," and I even had documents to back that claim. However, as I honed my focus on completing tasks, I became more accommodating of my brain's unique processing style. This journey has also led to some frustration with the rigidity of standard productivity systems.

Not all brains function the same way.

Now, I proudly refer to my system as "Threeish Things" for several reasons:

Flexibility: Three isn't always three, but it's a solid starting point.
Personalization: Much of my life is characterized by 'ish'—my blog is called Mindfullish because I don't always embody mindfulness.
Playfulness: This approach reflects a playful spirit, which is fundamental to how I operate.

Beyond Productivity

Productivity isn't the sole focus of life; there are classification systems and frameworks for decision-making too. When planning, I typically start with three categories. For example, I organize my notes by Type, Topic, and Tags.

When selecting bookmarks or articles to read, I ask myself three questions: 1. What is it about? 2. Why do I want to engage with this content? 3. What will I do with this information?

Sometimes, I include an additional "Theme" in my notes, or I may ask, "When will I need this?"—but those instances show how 'three' can sometimes shift.

Three is a magical yet fluid number, and of course, it brings good luck.

What About You?

How strict is your system for managing tasks? Do you adhere to three, or do you prefer a different approach?

Does Any of This Resonate With You?

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Chapter 2: Techniques for Managing Overwhelm

The first video titled "Feel Overwhelmed? Try This 30-Second Technique" offers quick strategies to mitigate feelings of overwhelm, emphasizing the importance of small adjustments in daily routines.

The second video, "Overwhelmed: Managing Feelings and Racing Thoughts," delves into effective methods for managing anxiety and racing thoughts, providing practical solutions to regain control.