3D Framework Guide

The 3D Framework is a practical system designed to help you break down big goals into actionable tasks and ensure consistent progress. Its core principle is simple yet powerful: Urgency drives action. By working in 3-day cycles, you focus on what can realistically be accomplished, fostering momentum and avoiding procrastination.

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Core Principle

Every decision in the 3D Framework revolves around this key question:

"What can I get done in 3 days?"

This question helps you prioritize effectively, ensuring every task is either completed or initiated within the set timeframe. The focus is on taking meaningful action and maintaining momentum toward your goals.

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How It Works

Step 1: Break Down the Goal

Start by identifying your big quarterly goal or project. Break it into smaller, actionable tasks that align with your priorities. For each task, ask:

• What needs to be done right now?
• What progress can I realistically achieve in 3 days?

This approach ensures tasks are specific, actionable, and tied to your objectives.

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Step 2: Use the 3D Matrix to Prioritize

The 3D Matrix helps you categorize tasks based on Impact and Urgency:

| Impact: How much does this task contribute to your goal? | | Urgency: How soon does this task demand attention? |

Impact ↑
              +------------------------+--------------------------+
 High         |       Act Now          |    Plan Strategically    |
              |  (Immediate Action)    |   (Future Planning)      |
              +------------------------+--------------------------+
 Low          |       Quick Wins       |       Future Value       |
              |  (Fast Gains)          |  (Growth Opportunities)  |
              +------------------------+--------------------------+
                       High                          Low             Urgency →

Tasks fall into one of four quadrants, each with an actionable label:

Quadrant	Label	Action Path
High Impact & High Urgency	Act Now	Complete these tasks immediately within the current cycle.
High impact & Low Urgency	Plan Strategically	Schedule these tasks for upcoming cycles with deadlines.
Low Impact & High Urgency	Quick Wins	Batch or delegate to quickly clear blockers.
Low Impact & Low Urgency	Future Value	Revisit every 3 cycles to assess relevance or escalate.

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Step 3: Pick Your Priorities

From the Act Now quadrant, select your Top 10 Tasks for the current 3-day cycle. These are your non-negotiables—the tasks that demand immediate action.

Pro Tips for Prioritization:

• Be Realistic: Think about what can be accomplished in approximately 24 hours of actual work spread over 3 days.
• Focus on Specificity: Define tasks clearly to make them actionable. For example, "Finalize the report draft" is better than "Work on the report."

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Step 4: Take Action

Execute tasks based on their quadrant:

1. Act Now:

   These are your immediate priorities. Complete them within the current cycle.

   • Example: "Prepare the presentation for the client meeting."

2. Plan Strategically:

   Schedule these tasks for future cycles with deadlines and clear milestones.

   • Example: "Research trends for the Q2 marketing strategy."

3. Quick Wins:

   Handle these smaller tasks quickly to clear blockers or gain momentum. Delegate if possible.

   • Example: "Fix the typo on the landing page."

4. Future Value:

   Revisit these tasks every 3 cycles to assess their relevance or escalate them to a higher priority quadrant.

   • Example: "Brainstorm ideas for a blog post series."

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Step 5: Review and Adjust

At the end of each 3-day cycle:

1. Reflect: What did you achieve? What could be improved?
2. Reassess: Shift tasks between quadrants as priorities change.
3. Recycle: Tasks in Future Value are reviewed to decide whether to escalate, redefine, or discard.

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Why the 3D Framework Works

1. Urgency-Driven Focus: The emphasis on completing tasks within 3-day cycles ensures consistent progress.
2. Clarity in Prioritization: The matrix simplifies decision-making, helping you focus on high-value tasks.
3. No Task Left Behind: Periodic review of Future Value tasks prevents neglect.
4. Flexibility: The framework adapts as priorities evolve, keeping your workflow dynamic and actionable.