Every day, I jot down a million things on my to-do list (okay, more like 10-15, but still!).

Initially, I tried to power through them all without any clear structure or a game plan.

I’d jump from task to task, ticking off the easy ones like “clearing emails” first just to feel productive (you know, for that sweet dopamine hit of checking things off).

But by the end of the day, I often felt restless and unsatisfied.

I had completed plenty of tasks, yet the most important ones—the ones that truly moved the needle—were either rushed or untouched.

Then, I came across a game-changing question from Tim Ferriss:

“Which of these tasks, if accomplished, would make everything else easier or irrelevant?”

Around the same time, I was learning about Deep Work and the Flow state—that laser-focused mental zone where time seems to disappear, and I get my best work done.

I had experienced this state before, and I loved it.

But my scattered approach to task completion wasn’t helping me get there consistently.

So, I decided to change the way I planned my day.

I tested a new system for a month, and it has been a game-changer!

So here’s what I do:

1. Brain Dump: I start by writing down everything I need to accomplish that day. No filter—just a complete list, personal, professional- all of it.
2. Prioritize: I number the tasks in order of importance.
3. Deep Work List: On a separate sheet (or the back of my list), I create a special list with just 3 or 4 high-impact tasks—these are the ones that will make the biggest difference in my work, mindset, and overall progress. I call it the “Deep Work List” or the “Main Quests for the Day” – inspired by Ali Abdaal’s idea of Main Quest for productivity.
4. Visibility: I keep this Deep Work list right in front of my laptop and refer to it throughout the day.
5. Execution:
   • I tackle the Deep Work tasks first thing in the morning when my energy is highest.
   • When I need a mental break, I switch to an easier task from my longer list. This keeps me moving forward without losing momentum.
   • Then it’s back to the important stuff!
   • Once my Deep Work is done, I feel a sense of accomplishment that carries me through the rest of the day.

This simple shift has made a huge impact. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending task list, I now end my days feeling productive and truly satisfied.

What about you? What’s one productivity hack that has worked for you this year?