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Forget To-Do Lists: How High Performers Really Prioritize
Manage episode 478902037 series 3648847
In this episode of the 5-Hour Formula, we’re diving into the truth about prioritization—why most people get it wrong, and how the most successful people in the world approach it differently.
Spoiler: they don’t start with to-do lists. They start with better questions, better boundaries, and better systems.
If you want to work fewer hours while getting more of the right things done, this episode is a must-listen. I’ll walk you through the three big ideas that have transformed how I plan my weeks and protect my time—and how you can do the same.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why personal time must come first—and how to put it on your calendar like a pro
- How to use the Focusing Question from The ONE Thing to identify your highest-leverage task
- Why weekly planning is more powerful than to-do lists
- What it means to prioritize using elimination, not just discipline
- The mental model behind “lead domino” actions that create exponential results
- How to say “no” gracefully but firmly (with help from Gary Keller and Greg McKeown)
Weekly Experiment:
Take action by following this 3-step experiment:
Block time to plan your week (offsite and undistracted)
- Prioritize personal time first (if it matters, it goes on the calendar)
- Protect your ONE Thing (your most impactful work block of the week)
Pro Tip: Color-code your personal time. Make it pop.
Resources + Mentions:
- Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
- Book: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
- Domino Effect Demo Video: Watch this 5mm domino knock over a 100-pounder
- Tim Ferriss Podcast with Gary Keller (on how to say no)
Recap of the 3 Big Ideas:
- Prioritize Personal First — Your health, family, and values are made of glass. If they break, they don’t bounce back.
- Start with One Thing — Identify the lead domino. The ONE action that makes everything else easier or unnecessary.
- Eliminate Ruthlessly — Say no to the trivial many so you can say yes to the vital few. If it’s not a heck yes, it’s a no.
Join the Conversation:
Have you tried planning your week this way? DM me on LinkedIn or leave a comment—I’d love to hear how this experiment works for you.
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