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Ever feel like you're drowning in tasks, unsure of where to even start?
Where it feels like your brain is overloading and there's not enough time in the day to complete everything?
What would it feel like to have everything laid out in front of you?
Imagine if you could lay everything out in front of you—clear, simple, and manageable.
But not all tasks are created equal.
Some like laundry is simple.
Others like completing a work project, demand focus and energy.
So how can we organize and categorize our tasks so we can get them out of our heads and into action?
Let me share with you a simple priority map to destroy anxiety and get things done.
The process
What is a priority map?
It's a simple system that organizes your tasks into four clear categories.
The beauty of a priority map is that it turns mental chaos into structured clarity, so you can focus on what truly matters.
High Impact tasks—Deep-focus work that moves the needle, like completing a big project.
Quick Win tasks—Things you can check off quickly, like sending an email or folding laundry.
Low Impact tasks—Tasks that don't need urgency, like scheduling a haircut.
Delete/Delegate tasks—Items you can offload, like having someone else walk the dog.
So how does one go from a list of tasks to these neat quadrants?
First you need to brain dump all your tasks on paper.
Our brains are excellent at problem solving, but are not meant to hold 100 different tasks.
Start by setting a timer for 5 minutes and writing down everything you need to do—big or small.
Getting everything out of your head onto paper frees up mental space for problem-solving and decision-making.
This can look like:
Do laundry
Pick up groceries
Finish project for work
Get a haircut
Talk to team member
Exercise
Cook dinner
Walk the dog
You get the idea.
Then start placing your tasks in bins.
Now the magic happens: you'll start to see what matters most and what can wait.
Here's an example with the list from above:
High Impact tasks:
Finish project for work
Talk to team member
Exercise
Pick up groceries
Quick Win tasks:
Do laundry
Low Impact tasks:
Get a haircut
Cook dinner
Delete/Delegate tasks:
Walk the dog (delegate)
And just like that we can take action.
By organizing your tasks this way, you've reduced decision fatigue and set yourself up for success.
Our High Impact tasks take priority, the rest is bonus.
Simplify your to-do list.
Reduce eight tasks into four priorities.
It’s faster, easier, and less overwhelming.
Take action.
All that's left is to actually do what's on your list.
Because a plan is nothing without action.
Review your priority map each morning, and focus on your High Impact tasks first.
Here's a bonus tip, keep a small notebook or sticky note nearby to physically cross things off—your brain will thank you for the dopamine boost.
Final thought
A priority map may just be what you need to stop procrastinating and start taking action.
It's meant to simplify your list of things you need to get done.
With just five minutes of effort you'll have hours of clarity and focus in your day.
It's a small investment with a huge return.
Take five minutes today to create your priority map.
What could you accomplish with a clearer head and a focused plan?
I help undisciplined people wanting a change in their unfulfilling lives find purpose and progress towards their personal goals.
Follow me on YouTube: @1andrewrauch, Substack, and Twitter (X): @AndrewRauch00 to learn more.
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