The great thing about being a writer is the opportunity to interview and pick the brains of all kinds of interesting people, including other businesswomen.

Once I interviewed a wonderful woman who ran not one, but two daycare centers and also spent time lobbying local and national government officials to bring attention to the need for quality childcare.

When asked about her tips for success, she had a surprising piece of advice: only put 3 things on your to-do list per day.

Three? I was shocked. How did this busy wife, mother and professional manage to get it all done with a three-item to do list?

Of course she accomplished more than three things on any given day. But the exercise of listing her three very top priorities helped her decide what was really important.

I learned a lot that day and though my to do list sometimes has more than three items, I make certain to  decide what must be done and what can wait for another day.

Jada Bradley is a Washington DC-based writer. You can read more about her writing and adventures at her website and blog.