If you’re reading this, you probably have too much on your plate. Like, way too much. Your to-do list is endless, your inbox is overflowing, and every task feels like it needs to be done right now. Sound familiar? It’s okay—we’ve all been there. Prioritizing tasks can feel like trying to untangle Christmas lights that have been in the attic for a decade. Messy, frustrating, and you’re not sure where to start.

Here’s the good news: prioritizing doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things first. So, let’s break it down. No rigid frameworks, no overwhelming systems—just a straightforward way to figure out what deserves your attention.

Step 1: Get It All Out of Your Head

First things first: you can’t prioritize chaos. If your tasks are scattered across sticky notes, emails, and mental post-its, it’s no wonder you’re stressed. Grab a notebook, a blank Word doc, or even the back of a napkin, and write down everything. Yes, everything.

• That client report? Write it down.
• Picking up dog food? Write it down.
• The half-baked idea for a side hustle that keeps popping into your head? Yep, that too.

This isn’t about sorting yet. It’s just a brain dump to clear the mental clutter. Trust me, it’s liberating.

Step 2: What’s Screaming for Attention?

Okay, look at your list. Now ask yourself: What’s going to blow up in my face if I don’t handle it today? These are your urgent tasks—the fires that need immediate attention.

But here’s the trick: just because something feels urgent doesn’t mean it’s actually important. Deadlines? Important. That random Slack message from Greg asking, “Got a sec?” Probably not.

Be ruthless here. Identify the truly pressing tasks—the ones that will have serious consequences if you ignore them. Those are your first priorities. (Sorry, Greg.)

Step 3: What Actually Moves the Needle?

This is where most of us trip up. We get so caught up in the small stuff—emails, admin work, organizing our Spotify playlists—that we forget to focus on the things that actually matter. So, take another look at your list and ask: What tasks will make the biggest impact on my goals?

• If you’re running a business, it might be landing that big client.
• If you’re working on self-improvement, it could be scheduling that workout or finishing that book you’ve been procrastinating on.

The point is, these are the tasks that move you closer to where you want to be. Circle them. Highlight them. Heck, put a star next to them. These are your gold.

Step 4: Learn to Love the Word ‘No’

Here’s a hard truth: you can’t do everything. And that’s okay. The sooner you accept this, the easier prioritizing becomes. Look at your list again. What can you delegate, defer, or (brace yourself) delete altogether?

If a task doesn’t serve your goals or needs, it’s probably not worth your time. Saying no to one thing means saying yes to what really matters. And honestly, that’s kind of empowering.

Step 5: Break It Down

Big tasks are intimidating. If “launch a website” is sitting on your list, it’s probably making you want to curl up under a blanket and pretend the internet doesn’t exist. So, break it down into smaller, bite-sized tasks:

• Research hosting providers.
• Write copy for the homepage.
• Pick a theme that doesn’t look like it’s from 1999.

Smaller tasks are less scary and way easier to prioritize. Plus, checking them off feels ridiculously satisfying.

Step 6: Use a Simple System (Seriously, Keep It Simple)

Now that your list is sorted, it’s time to organize it. You don’t need an elaborate system—just something that works for you. Here are a few no-fuss methods:

1. ABC Method:
   • A: Must-do tasks (urgent and important).
   • B: Should-do tasks (important but not urgent).
   • C: Nice-to-do tasks (neither urgent nor important).
2. Top 3 Rule:
   • Start each day by picking the 3 most important tasks. Finish those before anything else.
3. Kanban Board:
   • Use columns like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” Trello or a whiteboard works great for this.

Step 7: Give Yourself Permission to Adjust

Here’s the thing no one tells you: prioritizing isn’t set in stone. Life happens. Priorities shift. That’s okay. If your boss drops a last-minute project on your desk, or you suddenly remember your mom’s birthday, adjust your list. Flexibility is key.

Real Talk: What About the Stuff You Hate Doing?

We all have tasks we dread. Filing taxes. Cold calling. Cleaning the fridge. (Why does it always smell like that?) These tasks are like broccoli—good for you but not exactly fun.

Here’s how to deal:

• Eat the Frog: Do the worst task first thing in the morning. It’s painful but effective.
• Pair It with a Treat: Reward yourself after finishing a dreaded task. Finished your taxes? Go get that fancy latte.

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Isn’t About Perfection

Here’s the truth: you’re never going to get everything done. And that’s okay. Prioritizing is about making peace with what matters most and letting go of the rest. Some days, you’ll crush your to-do list. Other days, you’ll barely get through one task. That’s life.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. So, take a deep breath, grab your list, and start with the one thing that matters most today. You’ve got this.