> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://itdd.gitbook.io/lead-your-time/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://itdd.gitbook.io/lead-your-time/03-choose-what-matters.md).
# 03: Choose What Matters
## *Notice:* Prioritize
*Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.* – Vivian Greene
As a nonprofit leader your days may feel like whirlwinds, like you are swept away and struggling to keep your feet on the ground. Dancing seems ambitious. When you feel like this return to the mission:
* Who are you here to serve?
* What matters most in this season?
* What is your main responsibility as a leader?
When the needs are many, the mission can be your compass. Connecting your needs to your true north helps you see what is essential and how to best move forward at this moment. Not every good idea needs to happen now. Not every request needs your yes. Not every issue belongs fully in your hands.
Prioritization helps bring your attention to the work within your sphere of influence. You may not be able to control every outcome, solve every problem, or meet every need. But you can choose where to place your attention. Prioritization is a leadership skill you can practice. Your “yes” will shape your life's work and your “no” can protect your mission.
Revisit your vision and mission. Remind yourself of your true north, what you are working and walking towards, it will help you choose with greater intention.
## *Experiment:* Capture, Sort, and Choose
This section gives you two simple experiments. The first helps you clear your head and see your priorities visually. The second helps you build a simple digital task system, so your tasks have somewhere to live outside your mind. You can try one or both. Start with the one that feels most useful right now.
### - Experiment 1: Clear Your Head
Use this experiment when your mind feels full of tasks, ideas, reminders, and unfinished thoughts. Instead of trying to hold everything in your head, write it down. When it is all on paper, you can sort the list and see what needs your attention, what can be handed to someone else, and what can be removed. This will help create clarity and connect your work to your mission.
**How to use it**
1. *Empty your head.* Write down everything that is taking up space in your mind. Include work tasks, people to contact, meetings, ideas, worries, and personal things. Do not sort while writing*.* Just get it out of your head and onto the page.
2. *Sort the list.* Look at each item and mark it as one of three categories:
* Do = needs to be done by you
* Delegate = can be handed to someone else
* Delete = can be removed, cancelled, or left undone
3. *Prioritize the Do-items that matter most right now.* Think about your vision and mission as a compass for this exercise*:*
* Most important right now - what is mission critical?
* Important, but not first
* Useful, but lower priority
4. *Write one small next action for your top priority.*
This experiment can feel overwhelming and your list can be longer than you wish it were. You have a finite measure of time and energy and that is reality. Delegate and ask for help where you need it. What you get done matters, no matter how big or small. Your work in the world will create ripples far beyond what you see right now.
**Download a printable template here:**
{% file src="/files/9r72YEQGdRhp6yQB9IA6" %}
### - Experiment 2: Build a Task System
This experiment will help you build a simple digital task list to collect and store everything in one single place. Your tasks may be scattered in many places right now: messages, emails, notebooks, meeting notes, calendar reminders, and your memory. A lot of time and energy can be wasted when your responsibilities are spread across many places.
A task system gives your commitments one clear place to land. It helps you see what needs attention today. You can use [*Google Tasks*](https://tasks.google.com/), [*Microsoft To Do*](https://to-do.office.com/tasks/), or [*Apple Reminders*](https://www.icloud.com/reminders). Choose the tool that already fits your phone, computer, and everyday habits, like your digital calendar.
**How to build it:**
1. *Choose one task app* Start with one place for your active tasks. For this example, Google Tasks is used.
2. *Create a few simple lists* Keep the structure light. For example:
* Today
* Leadership
* Project xx
* Board
* Donors
3. *Add your current tasks* Take tasks from your brain-sweep and place them in the right list. Write each task as a clear action.
4. *Use dates when needed* Add a date when a task needs attention on a specific day.
5. *Use subtasks for bigger tasks* If a task has several steps, break it down. Example: “Prepare team meeting”, add write agenda, add follow-up items, send agenda to team.
Make this system your own. Choose the categories that fit your current situation. The goal is to stop carrying everything in your head. Start simple and adjust as you go along.
## *Reflect:* What Are My Priorities Showing Me?
> **Who am I becoming as a leader when I choose my “yes” and my “no” with greater intention?**
## *Integrate:* Review your list daily
Prioritization becomes useful when it becomes a daily rhythm. When your tasks are written down and living on paper or in a digital task list instead of your head, you can access them daily. Integrate moments in your day to look at your list and choose what needs your attention now. Try this simple rhythm.
At the start or end of the day, *take 10 minutes*. Look at your task list, clear your head paper, or digital task system. Ask:
* What needs attention today?
* What can wait?
* What am I waiting for from someone else?
* What can be delegated or removed?
Then choose:
* 1 main priority
* 2–3 smaller tasks
* 1 thing to delay, delegate, or delete
This helps you begin or end the day with more clarity. It will help you prevent mission drift and guide you in choosing your yes' and no's with greater intention.
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