As we close out this year-long journey of Masterplan 365, it’s time for a bonus session designed to supercharge your productivity and help you accomplish your most important goals. Today, we’re diving into the 90/90/1 Rule—a game-changing strategy that can transform how you approach your work and life goals.
The concept is simple but incredibly effective: For the next 90 days, dedicate the first 90 minutes of your day to your single most important project or goal. By starting each day with your highest-impact work, you’ll tap into your peak focus and build unstoppable momentum.
Let’s explore how this powerful technique works, why it’s so effective, and how you can apply it to your life starting tomorrow.
Need a Place to Take Notes? 🖋️ Check out our wide selection of Notes Inserts—perfect for keeping your thoughts, lists, and ideas organized. ✨ Whether you need lined, dotted, or blank pages, we’ve got you covered!
Why the 90/90/1 Rule Works
The first 90 minutes of your day are your mental prime time—the window when your brain is at its sharpest and your energy levels are highest. Starting your day with focused, intentional work ensures that you prioritize what truly matters before distractions take over.
Too often, we allow our mornings to be consumed by emails, meetings, or other low-impact tasks. The 90/90/1 Rule flips this script by dedicating your best energy to your most important work, helping you achieve meaningful results faster.
Step 1: Choosing Your “One Thing”
The foundation of the 90/90/1 Rule is identifying your one thing: the single project, goal, or focus area that will create the greatest impact in your life. This might be a professional milestone, a personal aspiration, or something that improves your health or relationships.
Here are some examples to inspire you:
Professional Growth:
-
Writing a business plan or launching a side hustle
-
Completing a certification program
-
Developing a skill, such as learning a new language or mastering a software tool
Personal Development:
-
Writing a book or starting a blog
-
Practicing a creative hobby like painting or photography
-
Building a mindfulness routine, such as journaling or meditating
Health and Well-Being:
-
Establishing a consistent exercise routine
-
Meal prepping for better nutrition
-
Creating a sleep routine for improved energy and clarity
Relationships:
-
Scheduling meaningful time with family or friends
-
Improving communication skills through practice or learning
-
Planning regular quality time with your partner or children
Take a moment to reflect: What’s your one thing—the goal or project that would have the biggest positive impact on your life?
A Real-Life Example: Brenda’s Story
Let’s look at how Brenda, a fictional working mom and online business owner, applied the 90/90/1 Rule to achieve her goals.
Brenda’s biggest goal for the year was to launch an updated version of her product line. She’d been procrastinating because it felt overwhelming—her days were filled with work emails, managing her kids’ activities, and constant distractions.
Here’s how Brenda used the 90/90/1 Rule to make real progress:
-
Choosing her one thing: Brenda decided her top priority was designing the first three products for her new line.
-
Blocking 90 minutes: She dedicated the first 90 minutes of her workday to this project, creating a distraction-free workspace and turning off notifications.
-
Focusing on one task: During her first session, she brainstormed product ideas, sketching designs and writing notes for her first product. By the end of the session, she had a tangible starting point.
-
Building momentum: Over the next few weeks, Brenda used her sessions to refine her designs, research materials, and plan her launch strategy.
-
Celebrating milestones: After 30 days, Brenda completed the designs for her first three products—something she’d been putting off for months. She rewarded herself with a family outing and moved on to the next phase of her project.
By committing to 90 focused minutes each day, Brenda accomplished in weeks what she had been procrastinating on for months.
Now, imagine what you could achieve with 90 uninterrupted minutes of focus every day.
Step 2: Structuring Your Sessions
To get the most out of your 90-minute sessions, structure them intentionally.
-
Prepare the Night Before: Decide exactly what you’ll work on. For example, instead of writing “Work on marketing,” specify, “Write the email sequence for my product launch.” The clearer your task, the easier it is to start.
-
Eliminate Distractions: Turn off notifications, put your phone on airplane mode, and create a quiet, dedicated workspace.
-
Create a Starting Ritual: Signal your brain that it’s time to focus with a small ritual, like brewing coffee, reviewing your task list, or putting on a specific playlist.
Step 3: Tracking and Celebrating Progress
Tracking your progress is crucial for building consistency and motivation.
-
Use a checklist, habit tracker, or journal to record each session you complete. Seeing your progress visually can be incredibly rewarding.
-
Review your progress weekly. Reflect on what’s working, identify obstacles, and adjust your approach if needed.
-
Celebrate your wins. For example, after completing a week of sessions, treat yourself to something you enjoy—a favorite snack, a relaxing walk, or time spent on a hobby.
By tracking and celebrating, you’ll stay motivated and build momentum as you work toward your goal.
Take Action: Your 90/90/1 Plan
Let’s map out your plan for the next 90 days. Answer these three questions:
-
What’s your one thing—the goal or project you’ll focus on?
-
What specific task will you start with during your first 90-minute session?
-
How will you reward yourself after completing your first session?
Write these answers in your planner or journal to create a clear, actionable plan.
Closing Thoughts
The 90/90/1 Rule is a simple yet transformative strategy for achieving your biggest goals. By dedicating the first 90 minutes of your day to focused, high-impact work, you can create consistent progress and build momentum over time.
Let’s recap:
-
Choose your one thing—the goal or project that will create the greatest impact.
-
Structure your 90-minute sessions with clear tasks, a distraction-free environment, and a starting ritual.
-
Track your progress and celebrate your wins to stay motivated.
Over 90 days, you’ll invest 135 hours into your most important goal. Imagine what you could accomplish with that kind of intentional focus.
Your challenge is simple: Start tomorrow. Block 90 minutes in your planner, choose your first task, and show up for yourself and your goals.
Thank you for being part of Masterplan 365 and for joining me on this incredible journey. You’ve worked so hard this year, and I know you have the tools and mindset to achieve amazing things.
What’s your one word for how you feel about the year ahead? Share it and celebrate this moment—you’ve got this!
Need a Place to Take Notes? 🖋️ Check out our wide selection of Notes Inserts—perfect for keeping your thoughts, lists, and ideas organized. ✨ Whether you need lined, dotted, or blank pages, we’ve got you covered!