Stop Wasting Time on Busy Work (A Founder’s Guide to Steve Jobs-Level Focus)

Today, I had one of those conversations that cuts right to the core of how we work and what actually matters. I was speaking with two incredible people: an ex-founder now leading engineering at one of India’s top FMCG companies, and Tanisha Singh , who’s driving operations and at PanScience Innovations (PSI) , India’s largest AI and deep tech incubator.

Tanisha manages a portfolio of 10+ startups—she’s got her hands in everything from events to partnerships and knows what it’s like to be surrounded by constant noise. We got into how easy it is to get caught up in “busy work” that feels productive but isn’t actually moving the needle. It’s a real challenge: cutting out the fluff to focus on what really pushes things forward.

We talked about Steve Jobs and his approach at Apple

how he had this relentless focus on what really mattered.

Jobs was a master at getting rid of distractions and focusing only on what moved the needle, and that’s a lesson that holds true whether you’re in tech, FMCG, or any other field.

Here’s what we talked about: how founders and leaders can cut through the clutter and stay focused on what truly drives impact.

How Steve Jobs’ Approach to Prioritization Can Transform Your Focus

In the early days of Apple, Steve Jobs had ideas coming at him from every direction. There were way too many products, way too many features - just a lot of noise.

He realized success wasn’t about doing more. It was about doing less, but doing it well. He cut out everything that wasn’t essential, narrowed Apple’s focus, and made it all about simplicity and clarity. That’s what made Apple great.

When he returned to Apple in the late ‘90s, too many products, all over the place, and no real focus. He looked at the lineup and said, 'This is insane. Let’s simplify.' So he cut it down to just four core products. That one move gave Apple clarity, and suddenly, customers knew exactly what they were getting.

This approach to prioritization is a lesson for founders: it’s not about doing everything; it’s about focusing on what matters most. Let’s break down how Jobs’ philosophy can help you get laser-focused on high-impact tasks and avoid the distractions of “busy work.”

1. Start with What Matters: Clarity of Purpose

One of Jobs’ core strengths was his ability to see past the noise. He had a relentless drive to ask, Why are we doing this? At Apple, he cut anything that didn’t directly serve the purpose of creating elegant, intuitive products that people would love. Jobs understood that clarity of purpose is foundational. Without it, teams drift toward complexity and busy work.

For a founder, this clarity of purpose is just as essential. Start by getting clear on why you’re doing each task. Ask yourself:

• Does this serve my startup’s purpose?
• Will it directly contribute to growth, revenue, or product quality?

If the answer is no, then that task may just be noise. Clarity of purpose keeps your priorities clear and prevents your time from getting eaten up by distractions.

2. Prioritization through Simplification: The Impact-Effort Matrix

Once purpose is clear, the next step is simplifying priorities. Jobs was famous for his ability to say “no” to everything except what truly mattered. He broke down complex projects into what he called “the essentials” the tasks that would have the most impact with the least amount of friction. This approach is where the Impact-Effort Matrix shines.

The Impact-Effort Matrix is a straightforward way to categorize tasks so you can zero in on high-impact work. Here’s how it works:

1. High Impact, Low Effort – The Quick Wins
2. High Impact, High Effort – The Strategic Bets
3. Low Impact, Low Effort – The Minor Tweaks
4. Low Impact, High Effort – The Busy Work

The Impact-Effort Matrix helps founders think clearly about where to direct time and energy. Focus on High Impact, Low Effort first, then tackle High Impact, High Effort projects one at a time. Let the rest fall away.

3. Ruthless Execution: The Discipline to Stay Focused

Once priorities are set, Jobs didn’t just stop there. He was relentless in execution. Each week, he reviewed what was working, cut what wasn’t, and refined the focus. Jobs’ discipline wasn’t just about what to do-it was about what not to do. He believed that true discipline lay in eliminating the unnecessary to leave room for greatness.

For founders, staying focused takes that same kind of discipline. Each week, review your progress, question whether each task still aligns with the goal, and adjust the plan. It’s about making hard choices, knowing what to keep, and just as importantly knowing what to drop.

Real Impact: Don’t Just Be Busy, Build Something Great

Busy work is a trap. When Jobs returned to Apple, he saw a company buried in “doing everything.” But he knew that building something great doesn’t mean doing more; it means doing what matters most.

To follow in Jobs’ footsteps, founders need to ask hard questions:

• What truly moves the needle for my startup?
• Am I focusing on essentials or getting lost in the weeds?

Founders have limited time and resources, just as Apple did in its early days. But with focus, clarity, and discipline, it’s possible to cut through the clutter and build something remarkable. Prioritization isn’t just about efficiency it’s about power. When you focus on the essentials and leave the noise behind, you’re not just being efficient. You’re setting yourself up to build something truly great.

So, next time you’re feeling buried under endless tasks, remember Jobs’ approach: Cut the clutter. Focus on what matters. Let the rest go.