Finding Focus in a World Full of Tasks

By Becki Barrett

Productivity is a delicate balance. It’s not just about getting things done, it’s about getting the right things done. And for many of the leaders and teams I work with, that’s where the real challenge lies.

One thing I often hear from clients is how hard it is to balance long-term priorities with the urgency of the day-to-day. Strategic initiatives get pushed to the bottom of the list because they don’t feel as immediate. But without carving out space for that big-picture work, we end up running fast without direction.

For those familiar with CliftonStrengths, you know that your strengths can help you navigate this tension. Whether it’s Strategic helping you see the path ahead, Achiever keeping you motivated, or Focus bringing clarity, your talents are powerful tools for aligning daily tasks with long-term goals.

Still, even with self-awareness and strengths in our toolkit, it’s easy to default to momentum. To keep moving just because we’re already moving.

That’s why I recently returned to a simple framework that helped me during the early days of the pandemic—when I was working from home, managing uncertainty, and trying to move my business forward amidst global disruption.

I’ve adapted it for today’s priorities, and I use it as a mental filter whenever I feel overwhelmed or scattered. It’s three simple questions:

💡 Does this need to be done?

💡 Does this need to be done now?

💡 Does this need to be done by me?

These questions help me shift from what I could do to what I need to do. They bring clarity, cut through the noise, and allow me to stay anchored in what matters most for my work.

I’m sharing this not because it’s the perfect system, but because it’s been a helpful one.

What helps you focus on days when it’s hard to get started? Or hard to stop?