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Volume #22: 6 Ways to Set Priorities (and When to Use Each One)

Volume #22: 6 Ways to Set Priorities (and When to Use Each One)

Isabella from Simplish
May 02, 2024

❝

You always have time for the thing you put first.

Anonymous

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Just one thing.

If you had to set a single priority for your life right now, what would it be? Nope: Not two things or three - just one single thing.

➡️ What is your #1 priority?

(Moment to consider all of the things)

Whether an answer comes easily to you or not, it’s worth considering just how totally ridiculous it sounds to narrow down your long list of priorities into just a single one. But the truth is, two priorities - let alone a whole bunch of them - require continuous compromise between each aim.

When you can clearly identify the common aim of all of your daily tasks in a single priority (some might call this ‘purpose’), you can focus your energy on the flow of connecting to the one thing that matters most.

And that’s a beautiful thing ⭐

And for all of the day-to-day tasks you’re handling to make it happen? There’s a prioritization method to help! This month in The Flow State newsletter, we go deep into prioritization and purpose. In this newsletter, read about six different methods for prioritizing tasks and when to use them, plus in-depth articles on each one from the magazine.

6 Ways to Prioritize Tasks

6 Ways to Prioritize Tasks

1. Eat the Frog! First Thing in the Morning

Best if you…

Are an early bird - or, at least, don’t mind the mornings
Manage a few difficult tasks on a regular basis
Struggle to save energy for important tasks later in the day

2. Identify Your Most Important Tasks (MITs)

Best if you…

Work with deadlines or time-sensitive tasks
Struggle with decision fatigue
Are seeking some high impact “wins”

Get the Mental Load Worksheet PDF

Later this month, we’re excited to be releasing a ✨ NEW ✨ worksheet for managing the mental load; the cognitive burden of keeping track of it all that is often carried by women and caregivers.

Sign up below ⬇️ to get on the waiting list for our mental load worksheet today, and receive the PDF as soon as it drops!

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3. Narrow Your Focus with the 5/25 Rule

Best if you…

Want a quick rule of thumb to help you focus on what’s important
Already have an understanding of the values guiding your priorities
Are focused on completing tasks rather than managing your time or energy

4. Take the Executive Approach with the Time Management Matrix

Best if you…

Manage competing tasks in a leadership context
Need to make high-impact decisions quickly
Have a system for in place for handing tasks off to others

5. Weigh Risks vs Rewards with the ABCDE Method

Best if you…

Work with tasks that come with high risks if not completed
Feel paralyzed when setting priorities by the complex calculation of risk vs rewards vs urgency
Are seeking peace of mind in your prioritization method of choice

Set Priorities with the Simplish App

Simplish is a beautiful day planning app packed with tools to help you organize - and rank - your priorities. Create and manage to-do lists, delegate tasks in shared workspaces, and sync the app to your work, personal and family calendars to get a total overview of your commitments - finally.