How to Follow the 1234 Method of Task Management

Tired of never completing your to-do list? You may need a fresh approach. The viral 1234 method uses bullet journaling to help you get work done with ease and efficiency! It works by dividing your tasks into 4 categories, then completing one task from each category in a single sprint. It's helped a lot of people push past procrastination and boost their productivity rate, and it might help you, too! Keep reading to learn more about the 1234 method, how to set it up, how to follow it, task examples, and more!

What is the 1234 method in bullet journaling?

The 1234 method sorts tasks into 4 categories: quick and easy (1), cleaning/tidying (2), long and complex (3), and fun (4). Here's how to use it:

Highlight 4 columns in your bullet journal in different colors.
Label each column with 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Write your tasks to the right of the corresponding columns.
Do a task from each category in sequential order (1-4).
Check off each task as you go.

Section 1 of 7:

1234 Method Explained

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The 1234 method is a bullet journaling system to manage tasks. The idea behind the 1234 method is that you create 4 categories of tasks: quick and easy (1), cleaning and tidying (2), long and difficult (3), and fun (4).^{[1]
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Research source} Every day (or multiple times a day, if you desire), you must choose one task from each category and complete all 4 tasks, one after the other, without stopping. This system works because starting with a quick task and a cleaning task helps you build momentum for the hard task.^{[2]
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Research source} The last task, the fun one, is your reward for a job well done!
- Most people record the tasks they need to complete in a bullet journal and check them off as they finish them. You can also modify the 1234 method to work as a list on a regular piece of paper, or in your head!

Section 2 of 7:

How to Set Up the 1234 Task System

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Open your bullet journal to a new page. Starting in the upper left-hand corner, highlight 4 columns of bullet points about halfway down the page. Choose a different color highlighter for each column. Then label the first column with a "1" at the top, the second column with a "2", and so on.^{[3]
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Label the tops of the columns with "1-2-3-4" and write down the key. At the top of the first column you highlighted in step 1, write "1." Then, above the second column, write "2," and so on. If you want, write a key for these numbers somewhere on the page, like in one of the bottom corners. The key will remind you which category of tasks the individual numbers (1, 2, 3, or 4) stand for. It may look like this:
- 1 = Quick and easy tasks (>20 min)
- 2 = Cleaning and tidying chores
- 3 = Longer and more complex tasks (<20 min)
- 4 = Fun tasks or hobbies
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Write a to-do list of tasks in the rows to the right of the 4 columns. Think of every task you need or want to do that day. Then write them down to the right of the 4 columns you highlighted in step 1. Leave a blank column of space between the highlighted columns and your list. This blank column is where you'll check off tasks as you complete them.
- Not sure what counts as a "quick and easy" or "long and complex" task? Check out our example tasks below!
For example, let's say one of your tasks is "feed the cat." You might categorize this as a quick and easy task, so you would jot a dot on the same line in the "1" column. Repeat this for every task on your list to help you identify its category and the order in which you should complete them.^{[4]
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Section 3 of 7:

How to Follow the 1234 Method Daily

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Complete a task from the "1" column, then the "2" column, and so on. Choose any task from the "quick and easy" column and do it first. As soon as you're finished, pick a task from the "cleaning and tidying" column and do that one next. Once that chore is complete, select a task from the "longer and more complex" category and start working on it immediately. Lastly, pick any activity from the "fun" category and do it before starting the routine over again.
- It's okay if you need to take a quick break in between tasks to go to the bathroom, let the dog out, answer the phone, etc. Just try not to spend more than 5 or 10 minutes away, so you don't accidentally get off track. Try not to skip any categories, either!
- If you get interrupted for a long time and are struggling to get back on track, start over again with a simple task from the “1” column to rebuild momentum.
As you make your way through your list, remember to note which ones you've already completed! To do that, mark an X or a check mark in the blank column between the highlighted columns and the completed task.

Section 4 of 7:

1234 Method Example Tasks

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Categorize tasks and chores by type and duration. Generally speaking, most of the things you do daily fall into one of the 4 categories described above: quick and easy, cleaning and tidying, long and complex, and fun. If you're still not sure what to put where, though, check out these example tasks, divided by category:
- Quick and easy (1)
  - Get mail
  - Feed the cat
  - Take vitamins
  - Pay the electric bill
  - Water the plants
- Cleaning and tidying (2)
  - Clean the toilet
  - Scour the sink
  - Put away groceries
  - Start a load of laundry
  - Sweep the kitchen
- Longer and more complex (3)
  - File taxes
  - Bake bread
  - Respond to work emails and Slack messages
  - Fill out your monthly planner
  - Reorganize your closet
- Fun (4)
  - Paint nails
  - Read a chapter of a book
  - Watch an episode of your favorite TV show
  - Sketch
  - Go for a walk

Section 5 of 7:

1234 Method Variation

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Use this variation to accomplish a set number of tasks. Social media manager Caroline Langdon explains this variation of the 1234 method: “The idea is to limit yourself to one BIG task, 2 medium tasks, 3 small tasks, and 4 quick, tiny wins. This is a simple framework that helps you be more productive in your day by focusing on tasks that actually matter versus a never-ending to-do list.”^{[5]
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Expert Source

Caroline Langdon
Social Media Manager

Expert Interview}
- Langdon adds that she prefers the 123 rule: “1 major mission, 2 medium tasks, [and] 3 supporting smaller items.”^{[6]
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  Caroline Langdon
  Social Media Manager
  
  Expert Interview}

Section 6 of 7:

1234 Method Benefits

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The beauty of the 1234 method of managing tasks is that it helps you get a variety of chores done without getting lost. For example, you're supposed to limit yourself to cleaning or tidying just one thing instead of the whole house. Otherwise, you're letting cleaning consume your entire day. On the other hand, you're also committing to doing only one hard, complex task, as well. That's much easier and achievable than trying to do all your complex tasks in one day.
There's something about writing down a task and then checking it off when it's done that gives you a rush of oxytocin! It makes you feel like you've accomplished something, even if it didn't take long. Whether it was big or small, it needed to be done, and you did it. Now, whenever you feel unproductive, you can look back in your bullet journal and see your success.
"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is an old saying that still rings true today. We're not meant to grind all the time with no pauses to enjoy life. Including a "fun" activity at the end of your 1234 production sprint reminds you to be kind to yourself!^{[7]
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