Productivity Tools: Prioritization & Decision Making

Productivity Tools: Prioritization & Decision Making

Here are three methods for prioritization and better decision making. 

  1. Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)
  2. ABCDE Method – by Brian Tracy
  3. The One Thing – by Gary Keller

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1. Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)

“80% of results come from 20% of efforts.”

What it means:

Not all tasks are equal. A small number of actions (your 20%) generate most of your outcomes (the 80%).

How to apply it:

  • Identify your 20% tasks: Look at past results — what tasks led to big wins?
  • Cut or delegate the rest: Reduce time spent on "busy work" that doesn’t move the needle.
  • Focus daily on the few tasks that lead to the biggest gains.

Example:

  • In business: 20% of clients often generate 80% of revenue.
  • In productivity: 2–3 tasks on your to-do list are probably more important than the other 10.

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2. ABCDE Method – by Brian Tracy

A structured method to rank your tasks by impact and urgency.

Task Categories:

  • A = Very important (consequences if not done) → Do first
  • B = Important (mild consequences) → Do after A-tasks
  • C = Nice to do (no real consequences) → Do only if time permits
  • D = Delegate → Hand off to someone else
  • E = Eliminate → No value, cut it

How to use it:

  1. Write your to-do list.
  2. Assign each task a letter (A–E).
  3. Tackle all A-tasks before moving on to B or C.
  4. If multiple A-tasks, prioritize them as A-1, A-2, A-3, etc.

🛠️ Example:

  • A1: Submit client proposal (deadline today)
  • B1: Respond to non-urgent email
  • C1: Organize desk
  • D1: Ask assistant to schedule meetings
  • E1: Check social media feed

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3. The One Thing – by Gary Keller

“What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”

Core Idea:

Laser-focus on one high-leverage task that makes the biggest impact or clears the path for other tasks.

How to apply it:

  1. Ask the focusing question above.
  2. Identify your domino task — the task that knocks over others.
  3. Block time for that task (often in the morning when energy is high).
  4. Say no to distractions until it’s done.

Example:

  • Writing a business proposal that, if accepted, solves your income needs for the quarter.
  • Learning one key skill that unlocks job opportunities.
  • Fixing a core system that makes your whole team more productive.

Combine All Three for Max Impact:

  1. Use the 80/20 Rule to find the high-impact 20% of your tasks.
  2. Use ABCDE to sort and prioritize your daily list.
  3. Use The One Thing to decide what deserves your undivided attention first.

 

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