In this episode of the 5-Hour Formula, we’re diving into the truth about prioritization—why most people get it wrong, and how the most successful people in the world approach it differently.

Spoiler: they don’t start with to-do lists. They start with better questions, better boundaries, and better systems.

If you want to work fewer hours while getting more of the right things done, this episode is a must-listen. I’ll walk you through the three big ideas that have transformed how I plan my weeks and protect my time—and how you can do the same.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why personal time must come first—and how to put it on your calendar like a pro
• How to use the Focusing Question from The ONE Thing to identify your highest-leverage task
• Why weekly planning is more powerful than to-do lists
• What it means to prioritize using elimination, not just discipline
• The mental model behind “lead domino” actions that create exponential results
• How to say “no” gracefully but firmly (with help from Gary Keller and Greg McKeown)

Weekly Experiment:

Take action by following this 3-step experiment:
Block time to plan your week (offsite and undistracted)

1. Prioritize personal time first (if it matters, it goes on the calendar)
2. Protect your ONE Thing (your most impactful work block of the week)

Pro Tip: Color-code your personal time. Make it pop.

Resources + Mentions:

• Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• Book: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
• Domino Effect Demo Video: Watch this 5mm domino knock over a 100-pounder
• Tim Ferriss Podcast with Gary Keller (on how to say no)

Recap of the 3 Big Ideas:

1. Prioritize Personal First — Your health, family, and values are made of glass. If they break, they don’t bounce back.
2. Start with One Thing — Identify the lead domino. The ONE action that makes everything else easier or unnecessary.
3. Eliminate Ruthlessly — Say no to the trivial many so you can say yes to the vital few. If it’s not a heck yes, it’s a no.

Join the Conversation:

Have you tried planning your week this way? DM me on LinkedIn or leave a comment—I’d love to hear how this experiment works for you.