Not all tasks are created equal. The difference between movement and momentum? Prioritization.
If you’ve ever had a day where your to-do list looked like a minefield, you’re not alone. With over 21 years of military leadership experience, I’ve learned that the difference between a leader who reacts and a leader who responds is simple: prioritization. In combat zones, in family life, and in corporate boardrooms, knowing what to do first is crucial. It can mean the difference between burnout or a breakthrough.
The real question is: are you working on what matters most, or what screams loudest?
Let’s unpack how intentional goal setting through purpose-driven prioritization can unlock next-level clarity and performance.
“How do I know which goal to focus on when everything feels urgent?”
I’ve been there. Early in my leadership journey, I wore urgency like a badge of honor. If everything was on fire, I must’ve been doing something right — right?
Wrong.
I missed significant milestones while answering emails or phone calls. They could’ve waited. This experience made me realize that busyness isn’t productivity. We confuse activity for accomplishment.
So the real question is: are you working on what matters most, or what screams loudest?
Here’s the Solution:
Use the Decision Filter Framework™ (the Eisenhower Matrix military themed style):
This classic miitary-inspired tool saved me on and off the battlefield. Here’s how you break it down:
| Urgency \ Importance | Important | Not Important |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent | Do it now | Delegate it |
| Not Urgent | Schedule it | Eliminate it |
- DO: Critical deadlines, mission-critical tasks
- DECIDE: Strategic planning, goal setting, self-care
- DELEGATE: Repetitive work, errands, admin tasks
- DELETE: Distractions, unaligned opportunities
Overlay this with my Decision Filter Framework™
Filter every task through these 3 questions:
- Does this align with my mission or vision?
- Will this make a long-term impact or just check a box?
- Am I the best person to do this right now?
When you start using this system, your life stops running you — and you start running it.
PERSONAL STORY:
During a high-tempo operation in the middle of a hurricane evacuation, I stayed behind to stand duty. My wife had to evacuate. The to-do list was endless. Every request came stamped with “ASAP.”
One day, our XO pulled us in and calmly said, “You’re not here to do everything. You’re here to do what matters.” That hit me hard.
Now as a business owner, husband, and father, I’ve brought that same mindset home. Every Sunday, I review my weekly tasks using this same filter — both in business and family life.
You know what happens? More intentional decisions. Fewer regrets. Better sleep. Well, I’m still trying for that better sleep, but that’s another story for another day.
“What do I do when unexpected priorities come up and disrupt my plan?”
Welcome to leadership — where plans meet reality.
Here’s the deal: flexibility doesn’t mean losing focus. You don’t throw away the playbook — you adjust the formation.
Revisit your task list.
Reapply the Decision Filter.
Ask: What’s the mission right now?
Not everything gets bumped up the list just because it’s loud.
Here’s what I teach my clients: stay anchored to your purpose, but agile in your approach. That’s resilient leadership.
Want a simple system to stay aligned under pressure?
Download my Intentional Leader Roadmap — a field-tested tool to help you prioritize your goals, time, and impact.
Click here for a 90 minute, 1 on 1 strategy call to get clarity, renewed purpose, to lead with intention.
What’s the hardest part of prioritizing your week?
💥 Saying no to urgent stuff that isn’t important
🧠 Knowing what really matters
🤹 Trying to juggle too many priorities
Drop your answer in the comments or send me a message on social media — I read every one.
Summary:
The world will always throw more at you. The challenge is not in doing more — it’s in doing what matters most.
Be intentional. Be clear. Be mission-ready.
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