How do people have time for everything?
Vivivideoclub
I was reading through a Reddit thread when this question popped up on my screen: How do people have time for everything? It struck a chord because, honestly, how many of us ask ourselves the same question? Or even make the classic statement, “I don’t have time. Sigh.”
I’m not here to preach that you can magically find time in your chaotic life. Let’s face it—sometimes, that’s just not practical or true. In today’s fast-paced world, the ideal of doing it all is working 12 hours a day, spending quality time with family, going on that dream vacation, all while churning out content or pursuing side projects—seems reserved for few of us. The rest of us? We’re just trying to avoid insomnia and get some decent sleep.
But what if I told you that you can juggle multiple things, just not the unrealistic ones? What if you could prioritize tasks that genuinely matter to you and still feel accomplished?
Are You Struggling with Juggling?
Maybe you’re someone balancing a demanding job and freelancing on the side. Maybe you’re trying to focus but feel constantly distracted. Or perhaps, you’re finding it hard to prioritize tasks, unsure of where to start. (Okay, this is starting to sound like I’m selling something, but bear with me!)
If you nodded your head to any of these, then I have something for you: an easy, straightforward method that could help you regain control of your time and productivity.
The 3-3-3 Method
( 3 Cats standing as a representation of this method )
Enter the 3-3-3 Method, introduced by Oliver Burkeman in his newsletter The Imperfectionist. One thing I love about his newsletter is that Burkeman understands not every method is for everyone. He’s flexible in his approach, which is refreshing in a world that often pushes one-size-fits-all productivity hacks. The name Imperfectionist sums it up—acknowledging that we’re all imperfect, yet still capable of working through life’s chaos.
So, what’s the 3-3-3 Method?
The 3/3/3 Technique
- Important and Unavoidable Tasks (3 hours):
These are the big, non-negotiable things that must get done, regardless of your schedule. Dedicate three hours of your day to these tasks. This blocked time forces you to focus and complete essential work without distractions. - Shorter Tasks (3 tasks):
These are those smaller, nagging tasks that you’ve been avoiding—like replying to that long-overdue email or writing that article you’ve been postponing. Pick three shorter tasks each day that deserve your attention. No need to block time; just fit them in where you can. - Maintenance Activities (3 tasks):
These are the everyday tasks that keep life running smoothly—like cleaning your workspace, paying bills, or delegating tasks. Choose three maintenance activities daily to maintain balance beyond just work and goals.
Can’t Make It Work? Customize It
Now, if you’re thinking, This will never work for me, don’t worry—you’re not alone. When I first heard about this technique, my immediate reaction was, “How am I supposed to squeeze in hundreds of tasks when I barely get through a few in a day?” But the beauty of the 3-3-3 Method is in its simplicity. It’s not about fitting everything into your day but rather identifying what actually needs your attention and letting go of the rest. The flexibility lies in tweaking it to fit your own life.
For instance, maybe you only need two important tasks today, or perhaps you want to focus on five maintenance activities. The method isn’t set in stone—it’s designed to help you structure your day according to what genuinely matters. And isn’t that what we’re all trying to do?
The Power of Prioritization
The 3-3-3 Method gives you a structure that prevents overwhelm while still leaving room for life’s unpredictability. What I like most about it is that it encourages us to focus on quality over quantity. In an era where we’re constantly pulled in multiple directions, figuring out what’s truly important becomes more valuable than ever.
So, how do people have time for everything?
Spoiler alert: they don’t. Instead, they make time for what matters most. And with a little bit of structure and flexibility, so can you.
Winding up !
Ultimately, it’s not about perfection but about progress. By embracing the imperfectionist mindset, you can find balance, achieve meaningful goals, and, most importantly, feel more in control of your day. So, the next time you catch yourself thinking, “I don’t have time,” remember—you have exactly enough time for what truly matters.
Links :
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gtd-333-method-thomas-appelmans-xj8te
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/productivity-time-management-oliver-burkeman-333-method.html
https://ckarchive.com/b/e5uph7hx43mn