Joel Cuevas

Prioritization

Reading: 1 minute — Updated on: 2025

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).

A Simple Trick: Subtract First

Instead of ranking everything, try removing the noise first. Here's how:

1. Flip the Question

Instead of asking, "What's most important?" ask, "What can I ignore or delay?" Sometimes, progress is about clearing the path.

2. The 5x Test

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.

3. The Clear Yes Rule

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.


Further Readings Make Every Decision Count


Related Thoughts You Might Find Interesting

Go back to the homepage