One Big Task Priority

A method for maximizing productivity by focusing on identifying and completing one critical task each day, rather than trying to accomplish many things.

Core Philosophy

• Focus on being effective rather than efficient
• Prioritize the most important/interesting thing right now vs what was scheduled weeks ago
• Big thing should be the first thing you do each day
• Success = completing the one big thing, everything else is bonus

Implementation

• Each morning ask: "What's the one outcome that if achieved would make today a win?"
• Clear calendar of non-essential meetings and commitments
• Work in focused sprints:
  • 90-120 minute blocks
  • Set timer for focused work
  • Choose specific locations for different types of work

Workspace Setup

• Designate specific spaces for different types of work:
  • Office - For creative/visual work
  • Bedroom/quiet space - For reading/thinking
  • Walking - For processing/ideation

Time Management

• Break day into "sprints" (90-120 min blocks)
• Leave large blocks of unscheduled time
• Avoid defaulting to 30-minute meetings
• Use "barbell strategy":
  • Quick lightweight interactions (texts/short calls)
  • Deep meaningful interactions (full day hangouts)
  • Avoid middle ground of constant short meetings

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using calendar as a to-do list
• Letting others' priorities dictate your schedule
• Mistaking motion for progress
• Procrastinating on the big thing by doing small tasks first
• Getting caught in reactive work patterns

Trade-offs

• May appear unresponsive to others
• Not compatible with highly scheduled environments
• Takes time to transition (can take years)
• Requires saying no to many requests
• May strain some professional relationships