Prioritization - The Power of Less

In a world that’s louder, faster, and more demanding than ever, mastering the art of prioritization has become one of the most powerful skills a leader—or anyone—can cultivate. It’s the simple, yet profound idea that?less is more.

Less Stuff. Less Noise. Less Distraction.

As the holidays approach, we’re surrounded by an overwhelming abundance—whether it’s physical clutter, endless to-do lists, or the constant noise of notifications and obligations. It’s easy to feel like we’re failing if we aren’t doing?everything. But here’s the truth: doing less, and doing it well, is where the magic happens.

In business, the same principle applies.?The best teams and organizations don’t try to win at everything. They focus on doing one or two things really, really well.?They eliminate distractions, say no to the “nice-to-haves,” and pour their energy into the actions that matter most.

The Competitive Edge of Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well

In sports, business, or life, doing one thing just a fraction better than others can make you the winner. The athlete who runs 0.1 seconds faster, the restaurant with one signature dish that wows every customer, or the team that delivers exceptional service consistently—all of these are examples of focus and prioritization beating out over-extension every time.

This philosophy holds true on a personal level, too. Imagine approaching the holidays not with a sense of obligation to do?all the things,?but instead with gratitude for the simple joys—a quiet meal with loved ones, a heartfelt conversation, or even a moment of stillness.

How to Prioritize: The Impact vs. Effort Tool

When everything feels like a priority, use this simple framework to decide what truly matters:

1. Draw a Grid:Label the horizontal axis?Effort?(low to high) and the vertical axis?Impact?(low to high).This creates four quadrants.
2. Place Tasks in the Quadrants:High Impact, Low Effort:?Quick Wins?- Prioritize these first. They deliver value without requiring a significant investment of time or energy.High Impact, High Effort:?Big Projects?- Plan these out. They’re important but require resources and commitment.Low Impact, Low Effort:?Nice-to-Haves?- Do these only if time permits.Low Impact, High Effort:?Time Wasters?- Eliminate or delegate these whenever possible.
3. Take Action:?Focus your energy on the tasks in the?High Impact, Low Effort?quadrant first, then allocate time for the?High Impact, High Effort?tasks.

Practical Tips for Prioritization:

1. Start with a ‘Not-To-Do’ List:?Identify what’s distracting or unimportant and remove it from your plate.
2. Define Your One Thing:?Ask yourself: “If I could only achieve one thing this week, what would it be?”
3. Simplify Holiday Planning:?Choose quality over quantity. Focus on meaningful moments rather than perfect execution.
4. Practice Gratitude:?Shift your perspective from “What do I need to do?” to “What can I appreciate?”

Less Can Lead to More Success and Joy

As leaders and as individuals, we have a choice. We can spread ourselves thin, chasing everything, or we can focus on the few things that matter most and do them exceptionally well. This season, give thanks for the simple things. Embrace the power of less.

Here’s to leading with clarity, purpose, and gratitude.

Until next week,

MaryAnn Camacho

CEO and Founder, Model Teams