We often hear of the power of 3, the rule of 3, or even the magic of 3. What is so special about the number three? After hearing two different people extol the value of three this week, I decided to investigate the science behind the number three and consider ways it can improve our lives.
Earlier this week, at a presentation on leveraging LinkedIn for business development, expert Michaela Alexis spoke of harnessing the “magic of 3” when we write our LinkedIn headlines. Then a couple of days later, Stephanie from the Sustainable Minimalists podcast suggested using Allison Bornstein’s “3-word method” to refresh and simplify our wardrobe.
I admit to, consciously or subconsciously, using groups of three a lot. In The Sunday Spark newsletters on my personal blog, I share three highlights of the week and try to share three things I learned—although sometimes I fall short of three on the learning front.
All of this got me wondering if there is any science behind the number three. And even if there isn’t any concrete evidence, how can we use it to make our lives better?
Let’s take a look…
The Science Behind the Number 3
In my quest to find scientific evidence, I found this article on the Learn Mental Models site. It says our brains are wired to recognize patterns and three is the smallest number needed to create a pattern. Further, sticking to three items reduces cognitive load which can help us remember things. The article went on to say that there’s a natural rhythm and cadence to groups of three, and a sense of completeness when something has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
From my experience as a speaker and trainer, I do agree that less is more. I’ve found most people can recall a simple, three-step procedure or a list of three items. Anything more than that will likely require written instruction or increase the risk of a missed step.
And the concept of choice overload is a cornerstone of the field of behavioural economics. When faced with too many choices, people shut down and avoid making a decision. Three is a suitable number of options to choose from—enough that people feel like they have a choice, but not so many to leave them feeling overwhelmed.
So, if there is science behind the number three, how can we use it to improve our lives?
Applying the Power of 3 to Your Life
I’m a huge fan of simplifying life and know how taking on too much can result in decreased productivity, burnout, and general dissatisfaction.
If you’re ready to harness the power of 3, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Increase productivity by writing a 3-item to do list at the beginning of every day.
- Boost happiness by recording 3 things you’re grateful for at the end of every day.
- Enhance focus by knowing your top 3 personal values and sticking to them.
I could list many more, but I’ll take my own advice and stop at three.
So there is some science and logic behind the number 3. With little downside to giving it a try, what have you got to lose?
Now it’s your turn. How can you use the power of 3 in your life? Drop me a comment below to let me know.
Learn more about me in my bio and on my personal blog at BoomerEcoCrusader.com. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
I’ve also always wondered the power of three. Especially when it comes to manifesting, most people suggest you write the desired item down 3 times or repeat the necessary phrase 3 times at night before sleep or early in the morning.
your explanation of a pattern the brain has on the number 3 makes much sense.
I think i’ll write down 3 times the things I desire and also say thank you at the end of my day 3 times.
Yes, I like the idea of repetition. It definitely helps with memory. And I love your ideas on how to use the power of three! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Welcome. I used to do it, just lost it along the way. But this was a good reminder.
3 in numerology is creativity.
This is very interesting. I imagine we do a lot of 3’s intuitively, because of a natural flow, not because we know the theory behind it. I remember an interior design workshop I attended once, and they emphasized setting out an odd number of decorations (on the mantel, on a table, etc) because it was more pleasing to the eye than an even number of items. Whereas I would have thought that an even number would be more, well, even and balanced. Maybe, in many areas, simplifying down to the odd number 3 follows that line of thought.
I also use groups of three quite often, for instance when I give presentations I list three points. If I have to present them without looking at the slides, I tend to forget the third one 😃
That’s because your brain is so full of knowledge, Cristiana. You can’t possibly retain everything. At least that’s what I used to tell my kids!
I like that Michelle, thank you!
Very interesting that there is science behind our preference for 3! 😎
I thought so but it makes a lot of sense when you think about it.
Oh, this is so good, Michelle. Love the science behind the number 3. My dad used to write his sermons with 3 points. And I chuckled about you taking your own advice. Great post!
Thanks Wynne. Most days, my brain can remember 3 things! 😂