The 1-3-5 rule

is a task management technique that emphasizes prioritization and focus.

The "1-3-5 rule" is a productivity hack that *Betty Liu, the executive vice chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, uses every day.

Liu said that every morning she writes down nine tasks to accomplish that day: one big thing, three medium things, and five small things 

 

It suggests allocating one large, three medium, and five small tasks to tackle within a day

 

The rule suggests that on any given day, you should aim to accomplish:

 

• 1 major task that has significant impact or is a top priority.
• 3 medium tasks that are important but not as critical as the major task.
• 5 small tasks that are relatively easy to complete and often quicker.

The 1-3-5 Rule is a structured technique by which you can categorize your tasks into a to-do list that is proven to increase productivity.

Coupling this productivity rule with your to-do list can give a boost to your productivity.

* Betty Liu is a former award-winning journalist and Bloomberg Television anchor who became the Executive Vice Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Chief Experience Officer for its parent company, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). She founded the ed-tech company Radiate, which was acquired by ICE, and authored the book Work Smarts.