"Three is the smallest number required to create a pattern, so it's [widespread] in storytelling." – TVTroupes.org
The Rule of Three is visible in every area of life. In photography, you divide the scene into three equal sections. You place your subject on the one-third line.
In comedy, there is the rule of three. Famous early twentieth-century comedian Charlie Chaplin said, "All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman, and a pretty girl."
Three things.
There were three ghosts in the story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Three little pigs. Three blind mice. Three Stooges. Three's Company. I think you get it.
In climbing, ideally, you want three limbs connecting to what you are climbing.
In Toastmasters, you speak, hit three points, and conclude. Each speech has a beginning, middle, and end.
According to Aristotle, every play has three acts. I would venture to say nearly every mainstream movie has three acts. Don't believe me; read Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. It breaks down the formula of many 2000-era movies.
Save the Cat details where in the three-act structure certain scenes should go and why.
Our lives fall into this three-act structure regarding our development and growth. In life, these phases can overlap and co-occur.
Understanding these phases may give you clarity in your journey. Where you are versus where you think you reside.
The Learning Phase
As we begin our life, we must learn how to behave. Beginning a new job, you must learn how to perform the functions. Do you begin a new college? New rules and guides to learn.
New city? It would be best if you had time to learn the different areas, atmospheres, and activities.
To grow, we need knowledge. We gain this knowledge through courses, mentors, and experience.
As we learn, we become more proficient. This phase can occur throughout our lives. It is most prominent in our younger years as we figure out what we want to achieve.
A great way to learn is by joining groups. People share their interests and can share their knowledge. Groups are my favorite way to partake in the learning phase.
You can read books and listen to podcasts. However you consume your information, do it. Learning to learn is tremendous but focus on what can provide you a channel toward your goals.
The Action Phase
After we learn, we must apply the knowledge. If we don't use what we learn, it dissipates, often quickly. In the previous section, I mention the power of experience. Action generates experiences.
Apply your learning as often as possible. This will cement it into your brain and help keep you aware.
One concern I find people say blunts their enthusiasm is the surprise issues that tend to arise. Nothing in life will rarely be perfect.
It would not be enjoyable to spend months on a project. Then it's released, and you discover an issue you didn't catch.
Don't be afraid of where the action takes you. You can't move anywhere unless you act.
The Mentor Phase
When I mention mentors, people think of older stately individuals. People who are in their 60's – 80's.
You can be 25 and mentoring someone in their 30's. If you have the experience and they want the experience, this is what is required.
Once you've spent time learning your mission and acting, you can now impart your wisdom. Parents most often do this with their children.
Whatever skills you've attained, you can pass on to others. Help them short-circuit the struggles early. Help guide them to the future.
Join groups where you can interact with people new to your field.
What's Next?
It is essential to understand where you are in this structure—the rule of three plays into our lives. I believe in these three sections of life from my own experiences.
You can be at a mentoring stage in one area of life and a learning phase in another. Life is dynamic.
The learning phase is where we learn. We try to find all of the information we can about a topic. Learn as much as you can.
Once you've learned a few things, take action. Start as soon as you possibly can.
You can coach or offer advice to help them navigate the obstacles. Obstacles you may have encountered yourself when you began. As a mentor, you can help educate and train others.
The trick is you don't have to have 30 years of experience to offer sound advice.
The rule of three can help simplify the way you are processing life. Breaking everything down into the core elements may help you understand your value.
What area do you believe you are in? What advice can you provide at this time?