Why 8 Tasks? The Science Behind Eightly’s Simplicity

Ever wondered why Eightly uses eight tasks — not five, not ten?

It’s more than a stylistic quirk. The number eight reflects how we think, what motivates us, and how habits form.
Here’s the science behind the method — one task at a time.

Cognitive Load Has a Limit

In the 1950s, psychologist George Miller suggested we can hold around seven items — plus or minus two — in our working memory at once. This became known as Miller’s Law, and it still holds weight today.

In practice, long to-do lists overwhelm us.
They’re harder to scan, harder to prioritise — and rarely get finished.

Eightly’s 8-task structure gives you just enough space to focus and make meaningful progress — without overloading your brain.

Boundaries Create Freedom

Eight isn’t a goal — it’s a boundary.
Some days you’ll write one task. Other days, five. Occasionally, you’ll reach eight.

This built-in constraint does two important things:

• It reduces decision fatigue

• It frees you from the pressure to “do it all”

When there’s a ceiling, you stop aiming for everything — and start choosing what actually matters.

Small Wins Trigger Motivation

Every time you cross something off your list, your brain gets a little dopamine boost — a natural reward for taking action.

It’s the same mechanism that makes games satisfying or apps addictive.
But Eightly redirects that mechanism toward meaningful progress — not empty busywork.

That’s what makes it a habit-building method, not just a productivity hack.

Paper Slows You Down — In a Good Way

Research shows that writing by hand improves focus, memory, and clarity.
It forces you to pause, think, and act with more intention.

No notifications. No distractions.
Just you, the page, and what matters today.

Repetition Builds Habits — Reflection Makes Them Stick

Habits take time — around 66 days on average.
But repeating the same action isn’t enough. You need to pay attention.

That’s why Eightly includes space to reflect:
What helped today? What didn’t? What might you adjust?

Over time, you’re not just doing more — you’re learning how to move forward with care.

Final Thought

Eightly isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what matters — consistently.

And eight tasks is just enough to help you move forward, without tipping into overwhelm.

Want to try it?

Start tomorrow with a fresh page.
Write up to 8 tasks that feel meaningful.
They don’t have to be big.
They just have to matter