Prioritize Like a Pro: Stop Spinning & Cultivate Clarity
- Dr. Cristi Haygood
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Are your days filled with multiple competing priorities and leaving every meeting feeling like a Stretch Armstrong Toy? In a world where deadlines are non-negotiable and everyone has a “quick ask” for you, it’s easy to fall into a never-ending cycle of firefighting, multitasking, and burnout. Whether you’re leading a team or handling individual deliverables, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t have to be part of your process. Mindful prioritization isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about getting the right things done, without sacrificing your own well-being in the process. It is not just a strategic skill—it’s a leadership superpower. It requires clarity, courage, and the ability to pause in the midst of chaos. Let’s begin with how one of my clients applied these tools to transform their workflow—and their mindset—under intense deadlines.

Meet Danielle*, a Sr. Project Manager in a fast-paced Tech Firm, juggling cross-functional deadlines and shifting priorities. Her calendar was packed, her inbox flooded, and her team was burning out. Morale was low and Danielle was beginning to question how long she would be able to handle this role. After working together during a 1:1 Strategy Session, I asked her to try implementing the "3D Filter" technique:
Do It: Tasks aligned with top goals and deadlines.
Defer It: Tasks that could wait without risk.
Delegate It: Tasks someone else could own.
After one week, Danielle trimmed her task list by 40%, empowered her team with clear ownership, and reduced her evening stress levels significantly. The secret? Pausing for 30 minutes each morning to reset her focus and re-align her daily priorities using the 3D Filter—a habit she still uses to lead more intentionally.
📰News Flash…You don’t have to choose between high performance and peace of mind. In deadline-driven environments, prioritization is more than a productivity hack—it’s a necessity. Stop letting your inbox, calendar, and others prioritize your life. Give yourself the gift of clarity and time back in your day for what matters most, by applying techniques like the 3D Filter and using a Digital Kanban Board. You will reclaim your time, energy, and ability to lead from a grounded place—despite any pressures you may face. The most effective Leaders aren’t the busiest—they’re the most intentional. They know how to separate noise from necessity, urgency from importance, busyness from progress. Remember, don’t wait until you’re drowning to shift gears—prioritize proactively, lean into mindfulness, and cultivate clarity.
💡If you're ready to ditch the overwhelm and lead with clarity, let’s talk. Whether you're a Leader facing strategic decisions or a high-performing individual managing the demands of competing priorities, I'm here to help. Book a 1:1 Strategy Call with Dr. Cristi and let’s prioritize your needs and regain control of your workload. Let me help you lead from a place of focus and resilience, not panic and overwhelm.
Looking forward to working with you to #EngineerBetterLeaders! ✨
*Actual client whose name has been changed