There’s a lot of information available on productivity.
If you’re the kind of person who works to consistently improve your process (as you likely are if you’re reading this), you’ve probably already read a lot of it.
But what is the most important principle of all? What do most productivity tips and tricks point towards, if not by name, by method alone?
Prioritization.
Often, we act as if the value of all tasks we perform in a given day are equal. However, that’s not the case. Some tasks are vitally important to the development of our goals and dreams. Others are no more than daily upkeep.
Action expresses priorities.– Mahatma Gandhi
The great thing about an effective method of prioritization is that you don’t need to be a wizard. You can actually be less effective at what you do than others, but you’re so much more focused and efficient in your daily work that they’ll never be able to catch you.
Sure, improving your craft and individual skill set is important. However, if you’re focusing on the wrong tasks, you’re just shortchanging yourself.
How to master prioritization
An effective system of prioritization includes the ability to:
- Decide what is most important
- Create a plan
- Effectively prioritize those most important tasks
And as you carry out that sequence of steps, you’ll run into problems.
These problems will be different for everyone. However, think of this as a checklist you need to tackle your problems. Start at the top and go down the list fixing issues as you go.
Deciding what is most important
First, you might realize that what you thought was most important to you actually isn’t. This is often easy to notice because when it comes time to act, you lack the passion and enthusiasm to do so. Go back to the drawing board and ask yourself the question (if you haven’t already): “If money weren’t an issue, I would _____.”
However, this can also be because you’re mind is too cluttered. So, make sure to adopt some sort of activity that regularly clears your mind like a morning walk or meditation.
Creating a plan
Now that you know what needs to be prioritized, you need to create a plan that allows you to effectively take action on those most important tasks. When will you do them? How many of them will you do? What is your timeline to complete a particular task? These are things your plan will help you nail down. It will also help you stay focused.
You could always move straight to the next step (as many of you will be motivated to do). However, without a plan, you’ll end up losing focus and spending your time less effectively.
Actually prioritizing what is most important
Prioritizing what is most important is where you really see how effective your process is. This is where you take everything we’ve talked about thus far and apply it to your life.
Before, you might have taken action on all kinds of different tasks in a relatively aimless order. However, if you’ve done everything we talked about thus far, you likely won’t have any problems once you get to this step.
If you need more help, try creating a success list to further focus your daily efforts towards achieving your goals.
As you run through each of the steps above, identify issues as they arise and work to solve them, you’ll eventually smooth out your process and create a highly effective system that maximizes your productivity and brings you closer to success.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.