There’s nothing quite as intimidating as a long, chaotic to-do list. It starts with good intentions; jotting everything down so nothing gets missed. But for ADHD brains, that list can quickly morph into a looming monster. One glance, and suddenly you’re frozen, unsure where to even begin.
The truth is, it’s not that you don’t want to get things done. It’s when everything feels equally urgent and important, your brain can struggle to filter what matters now from what can wait. And that’s where the Top 3 Rule comes in.
The Problem With The “Everything List”
Dumping all your tasks into one mega list might feel organised at first. But when the list starts to resemble a scroll from an ancient library, it triggers overwhelm. ADHD brains are particularly prone to task paralysis when faced with too many options or vague priorities. You might jump from one thing to the next, or do none of it at all.
What you need isn’t more time or motivation. You need clarity. A way to shrink the noise and shine a light on what’s truly important today.
Enter the Top 3 Rule
At the start of your day, or even better, the night before, take a look at your full to-do list. Now, instead of trying to tackle it all, choose just three tasks.
Not random ones. The three most important things you need to get done. That’s your focus for the day.
That’s it. Just three. Not ten. Not twelve with sub-bullets. Three.
This simple shift does a few powerful things:
- Reduces decision fatigue. You’re not wasting energy figuring out what to do next. You’ve already decided.
- Builds momentum. You’re far more likely to complete three focused tasks than bounce around twenty.
- Creates wins. Even finishing one or two of your top three gives you a tangible sense of progress, instead of ending the day feeling defeated.
And if you’re on a roll after finishing your Top 3? Great. Move on to the next three. But if not, guess what? You’ve already done the heavy lifting.
The key to productivity isn’t doing more. It’s doing what matters most, without the mental clutter. So next time your list is spiralling, don’t shut down. Zoom in.
Pick your Top 3. Own your day.
Small wins stack up. And that’s how you get things done, one focused step at a time.
#BeTheForce
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a doctor for personalised guidance and recommendations related to ADHD.
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