Tired of Being Busy Without Progress? Try the 3x3 Rule

A few years ago, I was working with a man named Greg, a 35-year-old business owner who was buried under a mountain of tasks. He told me, “I never feel like I’m actually getting anywhere.” Despite the long hours and constant busyness, Greg was spinning his wheels. That’s when I introduced him to the 3x3 Rule for Productivity—a simple, yet profound tool that transformed his life and work.

The 3x3 Rule Explained

The 3x3 Rule is about focusing on the right things, not just getting more done. At its core, it’s a way to structure your day, week, and month around what truly matters. Instead of being overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, the 3x3 Rule helps you zero in on 3 major tasks for the day, 3 key priorities for the week, and 3 long-term goals for the month.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what counts. Research supports this. According to a study by the University of California, people spend 28% of their workweek on tasks that have little to no real impact. Imagine reclaiming that wasted time and energy by focusing on a few crucial activities that align with your goals.

Greg embraced the 3x3 Rule, and within weeks, he told me, “I’m finally getting traction. I’m not just busy—I’m actually moving forward.” His business began to thrive, and he regained time to focus on his family and health.

Applying the 3x3 Rule to Life and Business

Step 1: The Daily Focus

Each morning, identify 3 key tasks for the day. These aren’t just the quick tasks you can knock out in 10 minutes. They are the big things—the ones that will move the needle. For example, if you’re a business owner, your daily tasks might include closing a deal with a client, reviewing key financials, or developing a new marketing strategy.

Avoid distractions. Like Greg, you need to create boundaries for deep work. Set aside blocks of time where you can work on these 3 tasks without interruption. Don’t answer emails, scroll social media, or jump to smaller, less important tasks. As Bruce Lee once said, “It is not the daily increase but the daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”

Step 2: The Weekly Milestones

At the start of each week, pick 3 primary goals. These are broader objectives that may take several days to complete. For instance, if your long-term goal is to improve your health, one weekly milestone might be completing three gym workouts or sticking to a meal plan for 7 days. If you’re in a leadership role, your weekly goals could include finalizing a major project, meeting with key stakeholders, or conducting a performance review with your team.

By limiting your focus to just 3 priorities each week, you avoid spreading yourself too thin. This ensures that your energy is spent on meaningful progress, rather than spinning your wheels on endless tasks.

Step 3: The Monthly Big Picture

Finally, identify 3 larger goals for the month. These should be tied to your long-term vision, whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth. For a man in his 40s, for instance, this might involve scaling a business, reconnecting with family, or tackling a personal development goal like learning a new skill.

The monthly goals are about setting the course. Where do you want to be 30 days from now? Whether it's launching a new business product or carving out time for a long-neglected hobby, the monthly goals give you a sense of direction and purpose.

The 3x3 Rule and the Power of Simplicity

Simplicity is power. When you focus on fewer things, you unlock the potential to do them better. This principle echoes what Albert Einstein once said: “Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony.” The 3x3 Rule helps you cut through the noise and hone in on what truly matters, making your life less stressful and more impactful.

Instead of trying to be everywhere at once, you’re homing in on the tasks and goals that will yield real, lasting results. You’re no longer reacting to whatever’s urgent but focusing on what’s important. And the results speak for themselves—men like Greg have transformed their work, health, and relationships by applying this simple rule.

Call to Action: Live Focused, Live Fully

The 3x3 Rule is about reclaiming control over your time, your energy, and your life. It’s about focusing on what truly matters—each day, each week, and each month. Whether you’re a business owner trying to grow your company, a father working to create more time for your family, or a man looking to prioritize health, this rule can be your roadmap to progress.

Here’s the challenge: Starting tomorrow, identify your 3 tasks for the day, your 3 priorities for the week, and your 3 goals for the month. Live by the 3x3 Rule, and watch your life and work begin to align with your true vision and purpose.

Hope this helps you crush your goals and get more of your life back this week.

Cheers,

Matt

P.S. If this was helpful for you, it might be helpful for someone else. Feel free to share it. My goal is to help as many people as possible stop settling and start living. 🤙