Why 3 Priorities a Day is Enough (Even for Moms Carrying It all)

Let’s be honest…mom life is a lot. Your days are full of doing everything for everyone else- repetitive snack requests, work deadlines, and that never-ending pile of laundry. It’s no wonder that over 70% of moms say they feel overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities. We’re expected to juggle a million things, all while still finding time to “take care of ourselves.” (Easier said than done, right?)

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to do it all. In fact, trying to do it all usually leaves you feeling like you’ve done nothing. That’s why I love the “3 priorities a day” approach. Instead of chasing a to-do list that never ends, you simply pick 3 things that matter most and let that be enough.

This method works because it’s simple, flexible, and sustainable. It fits into real life, even on days when chaos wins. And honestly? That’s why Imperfectly Planned planners (like the Imperfect Weekly Planner and the Imperfect Monthly Dashboard) build in space for your Top 3 Priorities.

Why “3 Priorities” Is the Mom Hack You Need

1. It keeps you focused.

Your brain can only hold so much at once. By narrowing down to 3 tasks, you give yourself permission to let go of the noise. Instead of bouncing from task to task, you’re actually able to finish something.

2. It reduces overwhelm.

A super long list feels debilitating before you even start. But 3 feels so much more manageable. Plus, since you’ve identified those 3 things as most important, you’re winning the day by getting them done.

3. It feels good to finish.

Checking off 3 meaningful tasks is rewarding. You end the day feeling like you actually accomplished something, even if everything else feels messy. Progress over perfection, every time. That’s the imperfect way.

How to Choose Your Top 3 Priorities

Picking 3 can be harder than it sounds. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Reflect on your bigger goals and projects. What’s important in the long run? Which tasks today actually move you closer to reaching the end goal?

• Check urgency vs. importance. If you’ve ever heard of the Eisenhower Matrix, you know not everything urgent is actually important. Identify things that might have a hard deadline. Look at your to-do list and see if anything can wait.

• Be realistic. If you’ve got sick kids at home, maybe today’s 3 are “keep them alive with minimal tantrums, read one email, and order groceries.” That counts!

• Write it down. Don’t just think about them—put them on paper or in your digital planner. That little act of commitment makes them more real.

How to Make Space for Your Priorities

This is where so many moms get stuck (me included!). But remember, this doesn’t have to be complicated.

• Time blocking: Choose a time to do each of your top 3, even if it’s only 10 minutes.

• Use tools that help (not pressure): Digital planners like the Imperfect Reset Kit or the Imperfect Weekly Planner are perfect for keeping your 3 priorities front and center.

• Limit distractions: Put your phone in another room, set a timer, or put on some of your favorite focus music. I’m a big fan of musical soundtracks — hello Wicked and Hamilton!

Get Into a Routine

The more you practice, the easier it becomes. A few ideas:

• Morning reset: Start your day by quickly jotting down your 3.

• Evening review: Look back at what you got done. Did you get through your 3? If not, what got in the way?

• Weekly rhythm: Use your weekly planner to set 3 bigger-picture priorities, then break them into daily steps.

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned (Because It Rarely Does)

Let’s be real: mom life rarely runs smoothly. Sometimes a sick kid, a last-minute change in childcare, or an impromptu work call will derail your plans. That’s okay.

The point isn’t perfection, it’s flexibility. Update your to-do list. Carry things over. Some days you’ll only get one thing done, and others you’ll crush everything you wanted to accomplish. Both are valid wins.

Ready to Try the “Power of 3”?

The next time your list feels like it’s spiraling, ask yourself: What 3 things matter most today? Then write them down.

That’s it. No pressure, no complicated system, just 3 things (and don’t forget, it’s perfectly fine to make them as simple as “make my bed”).

Want an easy way to start? Grab the free Imperfect Reset Kit and try it out. Or, if you want a full planner designed for real life, check out the Imperfect Weekly Planner. Both have space for your Top 3 Priorities, because that’s all you need to win the day.