Welcome back to my ongoing productivity series! In my last article, we covered the essentials of the wildly popular Pomodoro Technique for honing your focus and tackling tasks in short bursts.
Now I want to introduce you to another deceptively simple productivity method – the “3/3/3 Method” devised by author and journalist Oliver Burkeman. This technique takes some of the core concepts of the Pomodoro Technique and streamlines them even further into an easy-to-implement 3-step workflow.
Let’s dive into what exactly the 3/3/3 Method entails and how you can integrate it into your daily routine!
Understanding the 3/3/3 Method
The 3/3/3 Method was created by Oliver Burkeman, author of the book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Burkeman built this technique on top of the Pomodoro foundation and essentially simplified it from a productivity perspective.
Here is an overview of how the 3/3/3 Method works:
- Choose a task or project to focus on.
- Set a timer for 3 minutes only and focus intently on the task during that time.
- After 3 minutes, take a 3 minute break.
- After the break, restart the 3 minute timer and work again for another focused sprint.
- After 3 sets of 3 minutes (9 minutes total), take a longer 3 minute break.
- Repeat this cycle of 3 rounds of 3 minutes, followed by a 3 minute break.
That’s the essence of the technique – short bursts of focused attention in 3 minute increments, separated by 3 minute breaks. While 9 minutes may not seem that long, remember that the Pomodoro Technique uses 25 minute work periods. The shorter timeframe here makes it more approachable while still tapping into the power of working in defined time blocks.
The overall cycle of the 3/3/3 Method looks like:
- 3 minutes focused work
- 3 minutes break
- 3 minutes focused work
- 3 minutes break
- 3 minutes focused work
- 3 minutes break
- And repeat.
Benefits of the 3/3/3 Technique
At first glance, 3 minute work intervals may seem too short to be useful. But there are some compelling benefits to this condensed approach:
- Lower barrier to start – It’s easier to commit to 3 minutes than 25 minutes.
- Frequent breaks – The multiple 3 minute breaks provide mental resets.
- Flexibility – It can be implemented as needed throughout the day.
- Momentum – The short bursts build momentum to keep working.
- Variety – Switching tasks between cycles provides variety.
- Recovery – The micro-breaks allow your brain time to recover before the next burst.
In total, the 3/3/3 Method allows for up to 12 minutes of focused work in a 24 minute timeframe when you include the breaks. That’s a solid block of concentrated time on a single task, especially considering the short time investment.
The structured nature of the technique also helps build the habit of focusing deeply on one activity before switching gears. And the recurring breaks ensure you don’t experience burnout.
Tips for Implementing the 3/3/3 Method
To put this technique into practice, follow these tips and guidelines:
- Use a timer. The Pausetimer website or app works well for visually tracking the 3 minute intervals.
- Eliminate distractions before starting a cycle. Close unneeded tabs, silence phone, etc.
- Stick to 3 minutes of work before taking a break. Don’t shortcut the timeline.
- Stand and move during the breaks. Get your blood flowing.
- Switch tasks between cycles if needed. Varying activities can help maintain momentum.
- Use 3/3/3 cycles for both work and personal tasks. All areas of life can benefit.
- End each cycle feeling motivated to continue. The breaks should provide a reset.
- Be patient. It may take a few cycles before you get into a productive rhythm.
- Track your progress. Note tasks completed using the 3/3/3 Method.
The beauty of this technique, like the Pomodoro Method, is its simplicity. There are no complex rules or steps to learn. Just set a timer for 3 minutes, focus intently on one task, then take a 3 minute break. Repeating this process throughout your workday provides structured periods of productivity broken up with mental resets.
Integrating 3/3/3 Cycles Into Your Day
To make the 3/3/3 Method really stick, integrate it directly into your daily workflow:
- Use cycles for priorities first. Don’t waste them on mundane tasks or email.
- Batch similar tasks together in one cycle when possible. For example, don’t alternate phone calls and writing.
- Plan which tasks to tackle during each cycle. Having a plan prevents wasting time deciding.
- Use cycles at natural transition points in your day or when you notice your focus waning.
- Start cycles at times you tend to be unproductive, like right after lunch or late afternoon.
- Add 3/3/3 time blocks directly into your calendar so they are planned.
- Incorporate cycles both at work and at home. Try using them for errands, chores, exercise, etc.
Be open to experimenting with how strictly you implement the recommended timeline. If needed, start with shorter work intervals before building up to 3 minutes. The main goal is to incorporate productive focus periods separated by breaks built into your regular routine.
Getting the Most From 3/3/3 Cycles
With practice, you can optimize the 3/3/3 Method even further by:
- Sticking to 3 minutes of focused work initially. Don’t shorten the work periods.
- Removing digital distractions by going into airplane mode or using focus apps.
- Writing down any random thoughts that pop up to revisit later during breaks.
- Using cycles for your most important (not easiest) tasks on your to-do list.
- Completing repetitive tasks in batches by chaining together multiple cycles.
- Grouping similar tasks to maintain intensity (writing then calls vs alternating both).
- Taking advantage of the energy boost provided by each break.
- Not judging yourself if you lose focus during a cycle. Just gently refocus.
- Customizing the durations over time as needed. The core intervals can be tweaked.
Be patient with yourself while adopting this technique. Losing focus or getting distracted during the short 3 minute windows is normal at first. Stay consistent and keep at it until you establish a productive 3/3/3 rhythm.
Overcoming Obstacles to Using the 3/3/3 Method
When trying to adopt the 3/3/3 Method, here are some common obstacles that may arise:
- It feels too unnatural or rigid at first. Give yourself about 2 weeks to make it a habit.
- It’s hard to stay focused for even 3 minutes. Try shorter intervals at first before building up to 3 minutes.
- I can’t complete meaningful work in just 3 minutes. Break bigger tasks down into smaller 3 minute components.
- I don’t like timed work. Think of it as a challenge to see how much you can get done in short bursts.
- I get distracted and pull out my phone during the break. Leave devices in another room to avoid temptation.
- 3 minutes of work and 3 minutes of break is too frequent. Try modifying the durations to better suit your needs.
The core idea is working in purposeful, distraction-free short intervals – not strictly adhering to 3 minutes. Customize the technique to overcome any obstacles you encounter. The structured nature of 3/3/3 cycles will boost productivity once integrated into your flow.
Next Steps for Improving Productivity
Incorporating a quick 3/3/3 session of focused work repeatedly throughout your day can truly transform your ability to tackle important tasks and priorities. In my experience, this method builds momentum and creates a sense of progress as you complete multiple concentrated micro-bursts of work.
Make the 3/3/3 technique a regular part of your daily routine for the next few weeks. Monitor which types of tasks flow best and where these focused cycles have the biggest impact on your productivity.
Be on the lookout for my next productivity article where we’ll dive into other proven techniques like time blocking, accountability partners, effective goal setting, and more! Consistently applying these simple but powerful productivity hacks can take your ability to get things done to the next level.
Let me know in the comments if you give the 3/3/3 Method a try! I’d love to hear what tasks you tackle using the technique and any productivity benefits you notice from adopting short, structured work cycles. Here’s to getting more meaningful work done in less time!
