Some days you can tackle a project with ease. Other days, you may not have it in you. Whenever a project feels overwhelming, I remind myself to take small bites.
In fact, it’s a simple rule I’ve taught my children for years:
Just do three things.
Not thirty.
Not the entire project.
Just three.
If your closet is overflowing, put away three items every time you walk in.
If the kitchen is a mess, put away three dishes before leaving the room.
If you’re sorting paperwork, file three papers.
If you’re organizing a pantry, fill three spice jars.
That’s it.
The reason this works is simple. Most of us don’t procrastinate because we’re lazy. We procrastinate because a task feels too big.
When we tell ourselves we have to organize the entire closet, clean the entire garage, or finish the entire project, our brain often decides it’s easier to do nothing at all.
But three things?
Anyone can do three things.
One of my favorite examples is creating an organized and updated spice rack, drawer or cabinet. Filling, labeling, and arranging dozens of jars can feel like a project you’ll get to “someday.”
Instead, fill three jars.
The next time you’re in the pantry or open the drawer, fill three more.
Then three more.
Before you know it, the project is finished without ever feeling overwhelming.
I call these small bites.
Small bites create momentum.
Momentum creates motivation.
And motivation makes it easier to take the next step.
I’ve used the 3 Things Rule for years, and I’ve taught my children to use it too. Whether you’re tackling a cluttered closet, organizing a pantry, or simply trying to make progress on something you’ve been avoiding, don’t focus on finishing.
Just do three things (if you can do more than three, great!).
Then do three more each time you walk into that room, open that closet, reach into your purse or get into the car. Whatever, or wherever that mess or project may be.
Some days you can tackle a project with ease. Other days, you may not have it in you.
