The 3.3 Rule: Revolutionizing Productivity in the Modern Workday | Ep. 350
In This Article
How a Historical Insight Became a Modern Productivity Hack
In today’s fast-paced world, productivity is the name of the game. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, employee, or freelancer, understanding how to maximize your efficiency can make all the difference. In a recent episode of Money Talk with Tiff, Tiffany Grant sits down with John Briggs to discuss a groundbreaking concept he’s developed called the 3.3 Rule. This simple yet transformative rule has the potential to revolutionize how we approach work, breaks, and overall productivity.
Introduction to the 3.3 Rule
Is the 40-hour workweek one of the many outdated notions we still cling to today? According to John Briggs, the answer is a resounding yes. Originating from Henry Ford’s early 20th-century push to sell more automobiles, the 40-hour workweek was designed to make workers less exhausted and more inclined to purchase cars. Fast forward to today, and science provides us with far more effective methods for maximizing productivity. Enter the 3.3 Rule—a guideline designed to optimize work and recovery periods for maximum efficiency and mental well-being.
Understanding the Historical Context
Before we dive into the details of the 3.3 Rule, it’s essential to understand its historical backdrop. John Briggs kicks off the conversation by highlighting how the 40-hour workweek stemmed from Ford’s desire to sell cars, not from any scientific basis regarding optimum human productivity. During the 1800s, people typically worked 100-hour weeks. By reducing the workweek and work hours, Ford aimed to give people more leisure time to use and purchase his cars. Essentially, the 40-hour workweek was a marketing gimmick rather than a productivity enhancement.
Breaking Down the 3.3 Rule
The 3.3 Rule hinges on the idea that we are most productive when we work in focused periods of up to three hours followed by a 30% recovery period. To put it simply:
- Work Period: Up to 3 Hours
- Recovery Period: 30% of the Work Period (up to 1 Hour)
Customizing Productivity: Work Up to Three Hours
One of the first questions Tiffany Grant poses to John Briggs is whether we should work for the entire three hours or take breaks within that period. John mentions the Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes followed by short breaks—as one popular method. However, he clarifies that the 3.3 Rule is adaptable to individual needs and workflows. You should work up to three hours, but if you feel your focus waning, take a break sooner rather than later.
The Importance of Customized Breaks
The recovery periods suggested by the 3.3 Rule should be 30% of your work time and involve activities that allow your brain to reset properly. This recovery can vary based on individual preferences and job roles. John emphasizes that breaks should be non-work related to ensure effective mental rejuvenation. For instance, if your job involves being on the phone, your break should be off-screen and tactile—perhaps a walk, some physical exercise, or a creative activity.
Tips for Effective Breaks
John shares fascinating insights about the type of activities best suited for breaks:
- Physical Activities: Walking, doing some light exercise, or even yoga can be incredibly refreshing.
- Creative Outlets: Activities like journaling, drawing, or coloring can be soothing and help divert your attention effectively.
- Humor and Relaxation: Watching comedy or engaging in light, stress-free conversations can make your breaks more effective.
Tailoring the Rule to Your Tasks
The beauty of the 3.3 Rule lies in its flexibility. Different tasks demand different levels of mental energy, and John makes it clear that personalizing these periods is crucial.
- High-Engagement Tasks: For tasks you enjoy and can get lost in, like financial forecasting for John, you might work the full three hours.
- Low-Engagement Tasks: For less enjoyable tasks, your attention might wane sooner, requiring shorter, more frequent breaks.
The Broader Implications for Small Businesses
John Briggs, a CPA and owner of an accounting firm, provides a unique perspective on how small businesses can benefit from the 3.3 Rule. He has seen firsthand how allowing employees to follow these principles can lead to higher productivity, better work-life balance, and even unexpected benefits like weight loss among employees who use their break times for physical activities like walking.
The Future of Work
The conversation between Tiffany Grant and John Briggs reveals more than just a set of productivity hacks; it challenges long-held beliefs about work and efficiency. The 3.3 Rule offers a scientifically-backed alternative to the outdated 40-hour workweek. By incorporating shorter, more focused work periods and meaningful recovery times, both employees and employers can benefit from enhanced productivity and better work-life balance.
The next time you find yourself slogging through an eight-hour workday, remember: maybe it’s time to give the 3.3 Rule a try. Revolutionize your workday and watch as your productivity—and your overall well-being—skyrocket.
For those intrigued by John’s insights, his book “The 3.3 Rule: New Workday Standard to Get More Done by Working Less” is a must-read. It’s available on Amazon and offers a deeper dive into the science, implementation, and broader applications of this groundbreaking productivity strategy.
FAQs about the 3.3 Rule
What is the 3.3 Rule?
The 3.3 Rule suggests working up to three hours followed by a recovery period that is 30% of your work time. This method aims to enhance productivity by optimizing work and break periods.
How does the 3.3 Rule compare to the Pomodoro Technique?
While the Pomodoro Technique involves 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break, the 3.3 Rule allows for a longer work period (up to three hours) and dictates break times based on 30% of the work period, offering more flexibility.
What are the best activities to do during a break?
Effective break activities should be non-work related and should not stimulate the brain in the same way as your job tasks. Physical activities, creative outlets, and light, relaxing activities like watching comedy are great options.
Can the 3.3 Rule help with work-life balance?
Absolutely. The rule can help you achieve higher productivity in shorter periods, giving you more quality time outside of work for personal activities and relaxation.
Is the 3.3 Rule scientifically backed?
Yes, John Briggs discusses various scientific studies that show the human brain neutralizes constant stimuli, and focused periods of work combined with effective breaks can enhance overall productivity.
Resources Mentioned
- Book: “The 3.3 Rule: New Workday Standard to Get More Done by Working Less” by John Briggs (https://amzn.to/3BY3Qpd)
- Book Website: 33rulebook.com
Where to Find John Briggs
- LinkedIn: John Briggs, CPA
- YouTube Channel: Insights Tax on YouTube