Stop Time Management – Start Priority Management!

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Getting more done!

“You can do anything, but not everything.” – David Allen

Lack of time!

That’s one everyday feeling that we go through.

There’s a ton of things on your plate and you just don’t have enough time in the day to do all of them.

Everyday you wake up with the best intentions to tackle your to-do list, only to end the day feeling like you barely scratched the surface.

I’ve been there.

And for the longest time, I believed time management was the answer.

I used to feel miserable that I couldn’t manage something as simple as time!

I felt like I was so incompetent.

I thought if I could organize my hours just right, I’d magically conquer overwhelm.

And I am sure a lot of you would be able to relate with me.

As content creators we go through it everyday.

..and that feeling that, “only if I had a few more hours in the day”!

It was not until long after that I realized a truth:

“Time management is a myth”

A myth that the productivity gurus have been using for years to make you feel miserable.

..to make you look incompetent!

It is a big fat lie that we have all been fed!

You can’t manage time.

You just can’t!

Let me explain.

Time Is Finite and Uncontrollable

Think about it for a moment.

Can you really control time?

Time is a fixed resource. There are 24 hours in a day, no more, no less.

You cannot slow it down, speed it up, or add more to it.

Since time moves forward regardless of what you do, the idea of “managing” it doesn’t hold up.

Instead, the real focus should be on how you use the time available.

Everyone Has the Same Amount of Time

Whether you’re a CEO, a student, or a stay-at-home parent, the clock doesn’t discriminate.

You can’t borrow extra hours from tomorrow or save unused minutes for another day.

The only variable is how effectively you prioritize and allocate your energy to tasks.

Time Is Not a Tangible Resource

Unlike money, which can be budgeted or invested, time cannot be stored, saved, or replenished.

It’s intangible.

You can only decide what to do within the time you have.

This makes “managing time” an unrealistic goal. You’re actually managing your actions within time.

You Can’t Predict or Control External Factors

Unexpected interruptions, emergencies, or changes in plans can derail even the most perfectly planned schedule.

Time doesn’t adapt to accommodate these events.

What you can control is how you react and reorganize your priorities.

Time moves forward whether you’re productive or not.

And we have got a fair understanding of why we cannot manage it.

So what is the alternative?

The alternative is – managing your priorities.

And if you don’t learn how to do that, here’s what happens:

• Your to-do list grows out of control.
• Deadlines start slipping.
• Stress takes over.

This is where the 1-3-5 Rule has proven to be real effective.

What Is the 1-3-5 Rule in priority management?

The 1-3-5 Rule is all about keeping things simple.

Here’s how it works:

• 1 big task: The most important task of the day. Completing this makes your day feel like a win.
• 3 medium tasks: These are meaningful tasks that move the needle forward but aren’t as urgent as the big one.
• 5 small tasks: Quick, easy wins—things you can check off to build momentum.

That’s it. Just nine tasks.

Anything beyond this?

It can wait until tomorrow.

Why Does It Work?

Because it forces you to focus.

Most of us overestimate how much we can accomplish in a day.

We write down 20 tasks, get through five, and then beat ourselves up for not doing enough.

The 1-3-5 Rule shifts your mindset.

Instead of cramming everything in, you prioritize what matters most.

And when you finish the day having completed your 1, 3, and 5?

You feel accomplished.

How to Use the 1-3-5 Rule in Your Day

Implementing the rule is pretty easy if you have a fair idea of how to prioritize things in the order of importance.

That is where the process starts.

You can use any method to do that – the Eisenhower matrix is the simplest.

But the method doesn’t really matter.

You just need to know what are your tasks and how to prioritize it..

Now, here’s a step-by-step guide to implement the 1-3-5 system:

Start with your “Big Task”

Ask yourself:

• What’s the ONE thing that, if I accomplish it today, will make me feel successful?
• What’s the most urgent or impactful task?

Examples:

• Finishing a report that’s due tomorrow.
• Preparing for an important client meeting.

Pick this task first and make it your priority for the day.

Add Your “Medium Tasks”

These are the tasks that make steady progress toward your bigger goals. They’re not urgent, but they’re important.

Ask yourself:

• What tasks help me move forward on current projects?
• What can I realistically complete in one day?

Examples:

• Responding to key emails.
• Writing the first draft of an article.
• Organizing a team meeting.

Fill in Your “Small Tasks”

Think of these as the quick wins—simple tasks that take five minutes or less but still need to get done.

Ask yourself:

• What small tasks have been hanging over my head?
• What can I knock out quickly to feel productive?

Examples:

• Returning a call.
• Filing a document.
• Booking an appointment.

How the 1-3-5 Rule Keeps You Sane

Here’s why this system works wonders:

• It reduces overwhelm. Nine tasks feel manageable compared to 20.
• It builds momentum. Checking off small tasks gives you a dopamine hit, motivating you to keep going.
• It ensures progress. By focusing on one big task, you’re always moving closer to your goals.

And the best part?

When the day is done, you don’t feel like a failure for leaving tasks unfinished. Instead, you celebrate what you’ve accomplished.

What Happens to the Rest?

It waits.

Tasks that didn’t make today’s list go on to tomorrow’s.

The 1-3-5 Rule isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.

Your Turn

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, give the 1-3-5 Rule a try.

Start small: write down your 1 big, 3 medium, and 5 small tasks for tomorrow.

You might be surprised at how much lighter—and more productive—you feel.

And remember: It’s not about managing time; it’s about managing priorities.

Have any questions?

Just drop me a note and I will respond!

Recommended Newsletters

Here are few newsletters that I would recommend that you sign up to if you are interested in learning the art of running a side-hustle:

• Write, Build, Scale – https://sparklp.co/p/40cf6480e8
• Why we buy – https://sparklp.co/p/6d27bbcf8b
• The Book Bub – https://sparklp.co/p/3bcef5f1d4
• The Stacked Marketer – https://sparklp.co/p/5c2039bc2c

Sign up to these and follow them. You will get a lot of information and content for your blog posts, podcasts and even social media posts.

I will share more such ideas in my future newsletters.

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