Do What Matters Most

Book summary

Steve Shallenberger is the founder and chairman of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership, a training company. He also helped create the Stephen R. Covey Leadership Center.

Amy, a senior director at American Express, realized that professional success alone couldn’t resolve the frustration and imbalance she felt in her life. Attending a conference, she learned the importance of reassessing priorities and using tools like the "do what matters most" matrix to categorize tasks into four groups: high-stress/high-priority, low-stress/high-priority, urgent but not important, and not urgent/not important. By shifting focus toward low-stress, high-priority activities, she could reduce burnout and improve productivity. Similarly, pre-week planning—much like a pilot’s pre-flight preparation—provides a structured way to align actions with personal goals. This involves setting aside time each week to review your vision, identify actionable steps, and assign specific times for tasks, ensuring vague intentions become concrete progress. The story of a father and son underscores the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, highlighting how clear, measurable, and achievable goals can bridge the gap between professional and personal fulfillment. By applying the SMART framework and consistently planning ahead, you can transform your vision into meaningful results.

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