Ever feel like everything on your plate is urgent? When everything feels important, we either try to do it all (and burn out) or freeze, unsure where to start. Neither gets us anywhere.
Prioritizing can be tough because it means making hard choices and sometimes having to let go of things that just don't matter as much. But, the more we focus on what really counts, the easier it gets to keep moving forward.
Juggling too much means slow progress everywhere. Whether it's product features, projects, or daily tasks, spreading yourself thin kills momentum. Too many choices lead to decision fatigue, where your brain short-circuits and defaults to avoidance (đź‘‹ hello, procrastination).
Instead of ranking everything, try removing the noise first. Here's how:
Instead of asking, "What's most important?" ask, "What can I ignore or delay?" Sometimes, progress is about clearing the path.
Ask yourself, "Would this still be worth doing if it took five times longer and requires twice the effort?" If not, it's not a priority.
If it's not a definite hell yes, it's a no. Those vague maybes and half-commitments clutter your focus and drain your energy.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; Wind, Sand and Stars (1939).
When in doubt, subtract. Letting go of the "kind of important" stuff clears space for what actually moves the needle. The faster you cut the clutter, the faster you get where you want to go.
Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman This book reveals why our brains make irrational choices and how cognitive biases impact everyday decisions.
Essentialism By Greg McKeown A practical approach to simplifying life, cutting noise, and investing in what brings the most value.
The One Thing By Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Explains why focusing on a single priority at a time leads to better results than juggling multiple tasks.
Burnout Burnout is not a badge of honor, and success should not come at the cost of your well-being—push forward without pushing too far.
Ingenuity The biggest breakthroughs happen when we stop overcomplicating things and ask: What if this is easier than it looks?
Just Barely Good Enough Done is better than perfect when learning, growth, and improvement are part of the process.