It’s Not Luck, It’s Irish Logic!
Like many of you, I have roots that stretch back to the Emerald Isle—40% Irish, to be exact! My mother was fiercely proud of our heritage, and recently, a brilliant professor popped up on my YouTube feed who has made me feel even closer to those roots: Professor Kate Chadbourne.
She’s a Professor of Irish language and folklore, and she brings the ancient world to life! In fact, she even speaks the historical tongue of the sagas—the rich, complex language known as Old Irish (or Sean-Ghaeilge).
Professor Chadbourne recently shared a fascinating concept: the Triadic Structure (or Thinking in Threes). This isn't just folklore; it’s a powerful, ancient system for organizing our chaotic, beautiful lives. Forget complicated five-step plans; we just need three!
Section 1: The Sacred Rhythm of the Shamrock 🍀
In Irish culture, the number three is everywhere and represents wholeness, balance, and flow.
You see it in the art, like the beautiful Triskele spiral, and in the religious symbolism of the Shamrock.
This love of three is actually a deep cognitive tool. Our brains love three. It’s the Goldilocks number: one is too simple, four is too complicated, but three is just right.
Think about how every good joke or story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The third element provides the satisfying closure!
The Rock-On Takeaway: Thinking in threes gives your brain a ready-made filing system for life's complicated details, making everything instantly less overwhelming.
Section 2: Three Things to Remember Every Special Time (Holiday Edition!)
We take photos, but the true feeling of a special day often fades into a blur. We can prevent this loss by borrowing the power of the Triad to crystalize our memories.
This idea is especially powerful for busy times like the holidays or any big upcoming event, when moments can rush by! Instead of trying to document everything, you can actively decide, "I will capture just three things." This prevents the memory from becoming an overwhelming jumble of facts.
The next time you are enjoying a milestone, a gathering, or a holiday dinner, consciously commit to remembering just three things. This is the Memory Triad:
1. The Sensory Detail (The "Feel")
Why it works: It ties the moment to your immediate senses.
What to Remember: The specific smell of the pine or a special meal; the sound of a loved one's unique laugh; the way the firelight warmed the room.
2. The Core Emotion (The "Why")
Why it works: Emotion is the glue of memory.
What to Remember: Name the single strongest feeling: Joy, Peace, Pride, or Connection.
3. The Defining Action (The "What")
Why it works: It captures the event's climax or a unique interaction.
What to Remember: The exact quote someone said that made you laugh; the final, triumphant cheer; the first bite of a special meal.
Pro-Tip for the Holidays: Before your next big event, decide what three things you hope to capture. This focused intention will make the day richer, and the memory crystal clear later!
Section 3: The Triad of an Organized Rock-On Life
Let's put this Irish wisdom to work! We can use this simple structure to tackle daily life, projects, and even big problems.
1. Organize Your To-Do List:
Stop making endless lists! Use the Triad of Action:
Capture: Brain Dump every thought onto one page.
Group: Cluster it into three categories (like Home, Work, Self).
Act: Pick the top three items from those lists—and only do those three things today.
2. Structure Your New Habits:
New habits can feel daunting. Give them a framework:
Pre-Game: Prepare for success (e.g., Lay out your workout clothes.)
Main Event: Execute the task (e.g., Do the walk.)
Review: Solidify the habit (e.g., Stretch and plan the next walk.)
3. Handle Any Problem:
When a challenge pops up, don't let anxiety take over. Define your path in three parts:
The Problem: State it clearly and simply.
The Fear/Challenge: Acknowledge the obstacle or emotion.
The Next Step: Name the one concrete action you will take today to move forward.
Conclusion: Rock On with Three!
The Irish gave us amazing stories, powerful music, and—lucky for us—a secret weapon for mental clarity. We don't need complicated systems; we just need the power of three!
By embracing the Triadic Structure, you’re not just being efficient, you’re connecting to an ancient, satisfying wisdom that brings order to your mind.
What three things are you going to focus on today? Share your most recent 'Memory Triad' from a special moment in the comments!
You Can Check Professor Kate Chadbourne's Video Here
Marge Farrington OWRO
