Slow Down to Speed Up: 3 Priorities a Day is All You Need
We live in a world that wears ‘busy’ as a badge of honour. Where people compete on how exhausted they are. More tasks, more goals, more hustle. But here’s the truth: chasing endless to-do lists doesn’t make you more productive, it makes you stressed. Slow productivity is about stepping back, focusing on what matters most, and giving yourself permission to do less, which really is, so much more.
And one of the simplest, most powerful ways to do this? The “3 a day” rule.
Why 3 priorities is enough
When you set just 3 priorities a day, you’re cutting through the noise and choosing the things that will actually move the needle forward. It’s not about cramming in as much as you can, it’s about picking the things that matter.
Think of it this way: 3 meaningful tasks a day adds up to 21 important, needle-moving actions each week. That’s huge progress compared to spinning your wheels on dozens of little things that don’t actually get you anywhere.
How many of us have said “I haven’t stopped all day” but couldn’t tell you what you achieved? Or you forgot about that thing you really should have gotten finished today? Sounds familiar..? Well this blog is going to help you get on track.
Real-life examples of 3 a day
Your 3 will look different depending on the season you’re in, but here are a few examples to get you thinking:
Work: writing that proposal, following up with a client, or finishing a piece of content.
Home: decluttering one cupboard, planning meals for the week, or finally booking that overdue appointment.
Personal: getting to the gym, reading 20 pages of your book, or calling a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
See how these are specific and do-able? They’re not “get my whole life together” tasks, they’re focused actions your future self will thank you for. Let’s get them off the ‘one day’ list and get them done.. Today. Before anything else side tracks you.
Why this works so well
Less decision fatigue: no more staring at a mile-long list wondering where to start.
More energy: you’re not scattering your focus across 20 different things.
Better follow-through: 3 is realistic, achievable, and feels so good to tick off.
Steady progress: instead of half-finishing lots of unimportant things, you’re building momentum on the things that count.
Now I know what you’re thinking.. Well Christine, that’s great, but I have more than 3 things to do. I hear you. This is where brain dumping is great. Write everything down that’s floating in your head. Absolutely everything you need to do. This off loads the open tabs in your brain which is half the battle. The other half is taking those ideas and scheduling them in. Don’t try to tackle them all in one day. Choose wisely, stick to your top 3 a day and actually make them happen. Some will move onto next week but that’s okay. At least you know with this bite size system, it will all actually get done and not stay on the never ending list forever.
Quality over quantity
Slow productivity isn’t about laziness, it’s about being intentional. It’s about creating more organisation, more focus, more self-respect. It’s about feeling less overwhelmed and more in control. And the best part? You’ll be achieving what you said you were going to do which builds trust with yourself like nothing else.
So instead of chasing never-ending lists, give yourself the gift of 3 a day. Watch how much lighter, calmer, and more productive life feels when you slow down to speed up.
Do it for your health
This isn’t just about ticking things off a list, it’s about protecting your health. When we rush through life trying to do it all, our bodies respond as if we’re under constant threat. Cortisol (your stress hormone) stays elevated, leaving you anxious, restless, and more prone to burnout.
Your heart rate even shifts in response to this pace. The cadence of your heartbeat is a direct reflection of how your nervous system is coping, and research shows that long-term stress can shorten lifespan. In other words, living in constant “go mode” takes a toll not just on your peace of mind, but on your body too.
By slowing down, focusing on just 3 meaningful things, and letting go of the rest, you’re not only being more productive, you’re giving your future self the gift of health, calm, and longevity.
Ready for more?
If this idea of slow productivity speaks to you, I’d love to share more simple, practical strategies that help you stay organised and feel on top of life. Join my mailing list for weekly tips and bonus action steps straight to your inbox 💗 Click here