Simple Prioritization Framework for Solopreneurs

Get More Done (Without Working Harder)

Welcome to Hidden Levers! 🕵️‍♂️

Read time: 4 minutes

💰 Potential savings: 20 hours a month (min.)

⚙️ One proven framework to prioritize

📑 Two resources to streamline your work process

🧰 Two tools to supercharge your efforts

Ready? Let’s get begin.

Gear Animation

⚙️ One Framework: Prioritization Made Simple

"Quitting this job will give me more time to focus on my business and finally achieve sweet, sweet success," I mused nine years ago.

I had recently launched an iOS app, but I felt frustrated that I couldn't spend more time on my business since I was stuck at work.

Soon after, I left my job and moved in with my sister to save money.

I thought more time meant faster progress.

But weeks turned into months. I was busy but barely productive. I didn't realize that having more time wasn’t the problem.

And being "busy" didn't necessarily mean doing the right things.

The key is effectiveness.

Anyway, my iOS app and the business failed—largely because it was a terrible idea. 🤣

However, after attempting numerous productivity strategies, I landed on one that has worked for me.

The best part?

It's stupidly simple (as it should be).

It's grounded in the 80/20 principle, which says 20% of your tasks help you achieve 80% of your objectives.

The reason this framework works so well is I’m able to pinpoint what the 20% is using basic math. There is a spreadsheet you can swipe below.

If you’re struggling with prioritizing your tasks, then I encourage you to check it out.

You might discover that you don't need more time, just more effective use of your time.

Daniel Nguyen Tweet

Seeking advice on prioritization

Implementing the Impact-to-Time Ratio Framework:

  1. Grab your notepad and list all daily tasks.

  2. Jot down your chief business objective (your true north).

  3. Assign an impact score (1 to 10) based on its relevance to the objective.

  4. Gauge how long each task takes. Unsure? Do a time audit (1-2 days should suffice).

📈 Two Essential Resources: ChatGPT Prompts and Impact-to-Time Ratio Template

  1. Impact-to-Time exercise is a helps you prioritize tasks. You can see how Justin Welsh, who runs a million-dollar solopreneur business, uses the Impact-to-Time Ratio framework.

    Impact-to-Time Ratio of Tasks Chart

    Impact-to-Time Ratio of Tasks - Justin Welsh


  2. Systems and Workflow ChatGPT: Focus on tasks to eliminate, automate, or delegate.

    Download the template. 

    How the prompt works: WorkflowGPT prompt is a business process automation consultant tasked with helping you optimize your time and resources by eliminating, automating, and delegating tasks.

    Check out the prompt below 👇

ChatGPT Prompt: Systems and Workflow for Solopreneurs ⚙️

You are an expert at building effective systems without overcomplicating it. You're a business process automation consultant for online digital content creators and solopreneurs.

OBJECTIVE:

You are tasked with helping a client prioritize what tasks they should eliminate, automate and delegate. You’ll provide the client with a high-level overview of a recommended strategy and your thought process behind it.

You’ll also provide a detailed step-by-step checklist on what steps the client should take to help achieve their objective.

CONTEXT:

Client Business Details:

The client runs a {type of business} helping {type of customer} achieve {solution}.

This is what their day-to-day looks like:

• TASK 1

• TASK 2

• TASK 3

Here is how much time they're spending on each task:

• TASK 1: % of time spent per day avg.

• TASK 2: % of time spent per day avg.

• TASK 3: % of time spent per day avg.

🧰 Boost Your Productivity with Two Powerful Tools

As a reader-supported creator, we may earn an affiliate share when you use our links. We only recommend tools that we use and love.

AudioPen: Turn Your Messy and Confusing Voice Notes into Summarized Text

Why we love AudioPen

  • Quick Research: Easily turn interviews and collected data into well-organized content – perfect for analysis and reference.

  • Smooth Creativity: Let your spoken ideas flow while AudioPen crafts them into well-structured written content so you can repurpose anywhere you’d like.

  • Time-Saving Editing: Minimize the need for post-processing by having AudioPen generate legible and organized notes, allowing you to focus on high-leverage tasks.

  • 🤖 Click Here and Swipe this Zapier Automation Template

Notion AI: Have AI at Your Fingertips. No More Context Switching.

Why we love Notion AI

  • Efficient Documentation: Documentation creation can be tedious. With Notion AI's Loom and transcript features, creating SOPs (standard operating procedures) becomes a breeze.

    Example: You can paste a Loom and transcript, and then have Notion AI create an SOP in seconds. Watch the demo here.

Bonus Zapier No-Code Automation Resources:

Are you new to automation? Check out this 3-part guide to help you get started:

What did you think of this post?

Your feedback is valuable and helps me create better posts for you!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Join the conversation

or to participate.