The simplest daily planning method: 1 big task, 3 medium tasks, 5 small tasks. That's it. No complex systems required.
Most productivity systems are too complicated. GTD has dozens of lists. Time blocking requires constant calendar management. Bullet journaling turns into an art project.
The 1-3-5 rule cuts through all that. Every day, you pick 9 tasks: 1 big, 3 medium, 5 small. Done. That's the whole system.
It's stupidly simple. And it works.
The one thing that will make today feel productive. Takes 2+ hours of focused work.
Important but smaller. Take 30-60 minutes each. Support your projects and goals.
Quick wins. Under 15 minutes each. Emails, calls, admin, quick follow-ups.
You can't put everything in the "big" category. Having only one big task slot forces you to decide what actually matters most. This is the hardest part of productivity: choosing what NOT to do.
You don't have unlimited focus. The 1-3-5 structure acknowledges that you have maybe 2-4 hours of peak cognitive energy per day (for the big task), plus some medium-focus time, plus lots of little gaps for small tasks.
Nine tasks sounds like a lot, but the mix is realistic. You'll finish most days having completed your list. That feeling of accomplishment builds momentum and motivation.
A to-do list with 30 items is paralyzing. Nine items is manageable. You can see the finish line.
While Funtasking doesn't have a built-in 1-3-5 template, its approach complements the method well. You can tag tasks by priority level and the life balance wheel ensures your 9 daily tasks span different areas of life, not just work.
The gentle productivity approach means you won't feel guilty when days don't go perfectly. And the gamification adds a fun element without creating pressure.
Best for: People who want 1-3-5 simplicity plus life balance tracking.
A dead-simple web app built specifically for the 1-3-5 method. Nothing else. You get exactly 9 task slots in the right categories. Reset daily.
Best for: Minimalists who want zero friction and no extra features.
Use Todoist's priority levels or labels to implement 1-3-5. Create a filter that shows only today's tasks grouped by priority. Not purpose-built for this method, but flexible enough to make it work.
Best for: Todoist users who want to try 1-3-5 without switching apps.
Seriously. A piece of paper with three sections works perfectly for 1-3-5. Draw lines, write tasks. No app to configure. No notifications. Just you and your list.
Best for: People who think better with pen and paper, or who want to reduce screen time.
Decide your 9 tasks before you go to bed. Your morning brain can jump straight into action instead of planning.
Your best energy is usually in the morning. Don't waste it on small tasks. Attack the big one while you're fresh.
Unexpected things come up. Having a buffer prevents your list from exploding.
Some days you'll only complete 6 or 7 tasks. That's fine. The system is a guide, not a straitjacket.
One enhancement to the standard 1-3-5 rule: make sure your tasks span multiple life areas, not just work.
Funtasking's Purpose Wheel identifies 8 life areas: Career, Health, Relationships, Finances, Personal Growth, Fun, Environment, and Contribution. Try to include at least 2-3 different areas in your daily 9 tasks.
Example balanced day:
This prevents the common trap of being "productive" at work while the rest of your life falls apart.
Funtasking helps you track tasks across all areas of life, not just work.
Try Funtasking Free
Choose a purpose: Body, Work, People, Learning, Play, and more
Visual timeline, active tasks, coins earned, and daily balance
15 min = 1 coin. Save up for trips, gadgets, or a lazy day
Track time across life areas. Get warned before burnout hits
Free to start · No credit card · Works in your browser