How to Prioritize Your Work When Everything Feels Urgent

Did you miss the workshop I hosted yesterday? I shared a game-changing mindset shift I learned 7 years ago. One that completely transformed how I operate and prioritize my workdays.

For years, I’d end my day thinking, “Today was really busy… but what did I even get done?” I was stuck in a cycle of half-finished tasks, endless emails, and constant motion without real progress. My goals weren’t being met. I was confused, reactive, and too overwhelmed to focus on the projects I actually cared about.

And then I learned this:

“If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority.”

It sounds simple, but that realization forced me to pause and reevaluate. Because when everything feels urgent, it’s a sign to step off the hamster wheel and audit what you’re working on.

You can’t think clearly when you’re in constant go-mode. The antidote to feeling overwhelmed isn’t hustling harder. It’s pausing, reflecting, and prioritizing with purpose.

Introducing: The Revenue Generating Priorities Method

If you’re stuck in that same “busy but unproductive” cycle, this method is for you. It helps you take a hard look at everything on your plate—and figure out what actually drives your success.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Brain dump your to-do list.
Grab a blank piece of paper and write down everything that’s taking up space in your brain. Go through your inbox, calendar, meeting notes… everything work related. Get it all out in one place.

Step 2: Ask yourself one key question.
As you review each task, ask:

“Which of these will contribute most to my success?” OR “Which one of these tasks are imperative to my job?” OR “will this task get me paid?”

Success will look different for everyone but you’ll likely notice that not every email or meeting actually moves the needle. Some are reactive tasks you’ve gotten used to doing just because they’re easy or expected. 

Step 3: Highlight your revenue-generating priorities.
These are the tasks that directly contribute to your performance, goals, and growth. Highlight or circle them. These should be your first priority (especially during your peak focus hours). When you’re unsure what to work on, start here.

Step 4: Identify what can wait.
Next, underline the tasks that are important, but not time-sensitive. These are your “admin” tasks, great for end-of-week time blocks when your energy dips but you still want to get things done.

Step 5: Let go of what doesn’t matter.
Everything else? The tasks that aren’t highlighted, circled, or underlined? Those are your non-revenue generating tasks. Be honest: are they worth your time? Can they be delayed, delegated, or deleted? 

Why This Works

When your to-do list is constantly growing, taking the time to pause and sort through it feels counterintuitive but it’s exactly what creates clarity. It allows you to work on purpose, not out of obligation. 

By using this method weekly (or even daily), you’ll spend less time spinning your wheels and more time producing work that actually matters.

P.S. Want to learn how to communicate with more clarity and less back-and-forth?
Email Tip Academy is officially open for enrollment! You’ll learn how to write emails that get responses, manage follow-ups with ease, and shift your tone without sounding passive-aggressive.