How to Prioritize What Matters: A Little Productivity Hack That Works Right Away

By Segun Makinde

In today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, it's easy to get lost in the minutiae.

Tasks pile up, to-do lists build, and before you know it, you're overwhelmed by a sea of responsibilities. I used to be that person, juggling countless minor details, and constantly stressed until I discovered a simple, yet pivotal, and almost obvious strategy: Focus on the essential tasks and let go of the rest.

Here’s how you can apply this simple yet game-changing strategy:

1. List Everything: Start by listing all your current tasks and responsibilities. Get everything out of your head and onto paper.

2. Highlight the Essentials: Identify which tasks are crucial for your goals. These are the tasks that will move the needle in your projects or career.

3. Let Go of the Non-Essentials: This is the hard part. Be ruthless in cutting out or delegating tasks that don't contribute significantly to your objectives.

When I began prioritizing in this way, my productivity soared. I had more time for strategic thinking and important projects, and I felt less stressed.

Call to Action:

What’s one task you could drop to make room for more significant achievements? What’s one task you could drop to make room for more significant achievements?