What is 90 / 90 / 1 principle? And how to implement it

The 90/90/1 principle, also known as the “Rule of 1,” is a productivity concept that suggests dedicating the first 90 minutes of your workday, for 90 consecutive days, to focus on a single high-priority task or goal. The principle emphasizes deep work and uninterrupted concentration on one specific objective to maximize productivity and achieve significant results.

The breakdown of the 90/90/1 principle is as follows:

1. 90 Minutes: The principle suggests allocating the first 90 minutes of your workday to focus solely on a single task or goal. During this time, you eliminate distractions, interruptions, and multitasking to dive deeply into the work. The idea is to create a concentrated period of uninterrupted work, leveraging peak energy and mental focus to achieve substantial progress.
2. 90 Consecutive Days: Consistency is a key component of the 90/90/1 principle. It recommends committing to the practice for 90 consecutive workdays. By following the principle consistently over an extended period, it becomes a habit and helps in building momentum and achieving long-term results. The consecutive days also allow for progress tracking and a sense of accomplishment as you see the cumulative impact of your efforts.
3. 1 Task or Goal: The principle emphasizes focusing on a single high-priority task or goal during the dedicated 90-minute session. By identifying and prioritizing the most important task or goal, you can direct your energy and attention towards it. This focused approach reduces cognitive overload, decision fatigue, and task-switching, leading to increased productivity and improved outcomes.

The 90/90/1 principle draws inspiration from the concept of deep work introduced by author and professor Cal Newport. Deep work refers to the ability to concentrate without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks. By applying the 90/90/1 principle, individuals aim to create a dedicated period of deep work to accomplish meaningful work that might otherwise get lost in the busyness of daily routines.

Implementing the 90/90/1 principle requires discipline and commitment. Here are a few tips to make the most of this productivity practice:

1. Plan Ahead: Before starting your 90-minute session, identify the specific task or goal you will focus on. Clear goals and a plan of action help maintain clarity and keep you on track.
2. Minimize Distractions: Create an environment that minimizes distractions. Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent mode, and find a quiet space where you can work without interruptions.
3. Break it Down: If your task or goal is large and complex, consider breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks. This allows you to make progress incrementally and maintain focus throughout the 90-minute session.
4. Take Breaks: While the principle emphasizes focused work, it’s important to take short breaks to recharge and avoid burnout. Use the breaks to stretch, hydrate, or engage in activities that help refresh your mind.
5. Reflect and Adjust: After each 90-minute session, take a few minutes to reflect on your progress and evaluate the effectiveness of your approach. Make adjustments as needed to optimize your workflow and productivity.

The 90/90/1 principle is a strategy aimed at optimizing productivity and achieving significant results by dedicating focused time to a specific task or goal. By committing to this principle, individuals can harness the power of deep work and make substantial progress toward their objectives.