The to-do list hack that makes prioritising easy!

If your to-do list is currently scribbled on ten different scraps of paper, your notes app, and possibly the back of your hand… this one’s for you! 

We’ve all had those days where the list of things we need to do spirals out of control before we’ve ever had our morning coffee. Endless lists can feel productive at first, but when everything is a priority… nothing is! 

How does the 1-3-5 method work

The 1-3-5 method is a simple, brain-friendly way to make your to-do list feel manageable and even, dare I say, satisfying. 

It’s a way of organising your day that helps you focus on what really matters, without forgetting about the smaller bits that still need doing. 

Here’s how it works:

• 1 big task
   (The chunky thing that takes time and energy. The “I’ll do that tomorrow” task.)
  

• 3 medium tasks
   (Important but not all-consuming.)
  

• 5 small tasks
   (The quick wins—admin, sending emails, putting the wash on, returning that text from three days ago.)
  

That’s it. One list. Nine tasks. Prioritised and doable! 

What counts as a “big” task?

It doesn’t have to be a huge business goal or a house renovation. Your “big task” might be:

• Making a phone call you’ve been dreading
  

• Doing your weekly shop
  

• Writing a blog post
  

• Finally booking that appointment
  
  

It’s all relative to your energy levels, time and mental space. What’s “big” for someone else might be medium for you, and vice versa. You make the rules!

Why the 1-3-5 method works so well

Whether you’re neurodivergent, chronically overwhelmed, a busy parent, a small biz owner… or all of the above! The 1-3-5 method gives your brain the structure it’s probably been craving. 

Here’s why people love it:

• It removes decision fatigue.
  You only have nine things to look at - not a sea of 43 chaotic bullet points.
  

• It creates balance.
  You’re not just doing either the fun tasks or the dreaded ones, you’ve got a bit of everything.
  

• It gives you momentum.
  Finishing a small task feels great. Finish five? You’ll feel like you can take on the world!
  

• It helps you plan realistically.
  You stop setting yourself up for failure with unrealistic expectations. And yes, that means less guilt at the end of the day.

How to use the 1-3-5 planner page

If you’re a stationery lover (hi!), the Oh Laura printable 1-3-5 Method Planner Page makes this method even easier. It’s beautifully designed, with clearly laid-out sections for your big, medium, and small tasks… plus space to make it yours with colour, stickers, or notes.

You can:

• Print a new one each day (great if you love a fresh start).
  

• Use it as your weekday work planning tool.
  

• Keep it on your desk or pop it in a clipboard or journal.
  

Bonus: It’s available in A4, A5, left/right aligned and monochrome versions, so it works however your brain works.

A little treat: make it fun

One of the best parts of the 1-3-5 method? It’s super rewarding.

You can even turn it into a mini game:

• Complete your “5 little things” before lunch
  

• Save your “1 big thing” for a post-coffee power hour
  

• Reward yourself for finishing a full list (bingo notepad, anyone?)

Progress doesn’t have to feel heavy. That’s the whole Oh Laura vibe, after all: get things done, but make it joyful.

You can grab the 1-3-5 Method Digital Download from my shop and start using it straight away. It's printable, pretty, and purposefully designed to help you take the pressure off while still making progress.

Whether you're trying to get your inbox under control, manage a household, or just keep your brain calm while juggling All The Things, this method might just be the gentle structure you’ve been looking for.

Download it now – and get ready to feel a little less overwhelmed and a lot more accomplished.