By Raido Kivikangur
You’re not behind because you’re lazy.
You’re behind because you’re trying to do too many good things - instead of one or few great things.
Let’s fix that.
You don’t need a better to-do list
How many times have you said, “I just need to get more organized”?
It’s one of the most popular productivity myths. People think their problem is structure. So they buy a planner, download an app, or color-code their week.
But here’s the truth:
Better tools don’t fix broken thinking.
Organization gives the illusion of control
When you're overwhelmed, organizing feels safe.
But most people use it to avoid the real problem:
They're simply doing too much.
We don’t need a better list.
We need fewer items on it.
Real prioritization means saying no
Let me be direct.
If everything is a priority, then nothing is.
I once had a client tell me:
“I have 14 priorities this quarter.”
I replied: “Then you have none.”
When you treat every task as important, you drain energy from the ones that matter. You dilute your focus. You never feel like you’re winning.
What happens when you don’t cut
You feel scattered. You chase the urgent. You get busy but stay stuck.
Your days get longer. Your results stay flat.
Eventually, you ask: “Why am I working so hard and getting nowhere?”
Here’s why:
You’re not prioritizing.
You’re just rearranging the chaos.
5 ways to actually prioritize
1. Decide what you’ll sacrifice
Every real priority requires a trade-off.
Drop, delegate, or defer. No guilt allowed.
2. Cut ruthlessly-then cut again
If you have 10 items, reduce to 3.
It will feel uncomfortable-but that’s the price of clarity.
3. Anchor to purpose
Don’t prioritize based on urgency.
Prioritize based on what moves the needle in your life or business.
4. Use “If-Then” thinking
If task A isn’t done, task B doesn’t happen.
This sequencing forces you to stay honest about what really matters.
5. Revisit weekly
Priorities drift. Recheck them weekly.
Protect your calendar like it matters: because it does.
Let this sink in
You’re not overwhelmed because of poor habits.
You’re overwhelmed because your focus is too wide.
Cutting feels scary. But once you do it, you finally get your energy back.
As I always say:
Success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less-better.
👉 Want help building a system that supports what actually matters?
My book The Art of Setting Goals will walk you through it - step by step.
You don’t need another list.
You need a decision.