Your To-Do List is Killing Your Commission

Hey there,

Checking off 20 tasks a day means absolutely nothing if none of them actually move you closer to your goals.

I spent years trapped in this cycle - ending exhausting days with a completed to-do list but zero progress on what actually mattered. My calendar was full, my energy was drained, and my biggest sales goals remained untouched. I eventually realized this was happening because I was confusing activity with achievement - a common trap many of us face as sellers.

Today, I'm sharing a simple but powerful framework that completely changed how I approach my workday:

• The end-of-day ritual that sets tomorrow up for success

• A 3+1 framework to prioritize what matters each day

• Video walkthrough of my setup using Todoist

Bonus: Featured sales job opportunities

Let's dive into how you can stop being busy and start being productive.

4 Steps To Achieve More In Less Time Even If Your To-Do List Is Overwhelming

Here's exactly how to implement the 3+1 framework modeled from the book "Organize Tomorrow Today"

1. End-of-Day Shutdown Ritual

Close each workday with a structured shutdown routine. Take 15 minutes to:

• Clear your inbox (respond, archive, or schedule follow-ups)

• Review your calendar for tomorrow's commitments

• Assess your weekly targets and current progress

This transition ritual creates closure for today while setting you up for success tomorrow. Instead of carrying mental baggage home, you've processed the day and prepared for what's next.

Video walkthrough:

2. Identify Your Three Most Important Tasks

From your master task list, select only three items that will genuinely move the needle forward on your biggest goals. These aren't routine admin tasks - they're the high-leverage activities that directly impact your sales results.

Ask yourself: "If I could only complete three things tomorrow, which would create the most significant progress toward my objectives?" These become your "Three Most Important" tasks for tomorrow.

Video walkthrough:

3. Choose Your One Non-Negotiable

From your three important tasks, designate one as your absolute non-negotiable - the task that must be completed no matter what unexpected challenges arise. Mark it clearly (I use the short code “P1” to mark it a priority in Todoist, turning it red).

This becomes your anchor for the day - the one accomplishment that ensures the day wasn't wasted, even if fires need fighting and emergencies demand attention.

Video walkthrough:

4. Start With A Priority Focus Filter

Begin your workday by tackling your priority tasks first, before opening email, checking Slack, or getting pulled into meetings. Complete your non-negotiable and then move to your other two important tasks.

Only after making progress on these priorities should you shift to the routine tasks and inevitable interruptions that fill most salespeople's days.

Video walkthrough:

That's it. Here's what you learned today:

• An end-of-day shutdown ritual prepares you for productive mornings

• The 3+1 Method creates clarity in a chaotic workday by limiting focus to what truly matters

• Designating a non-negotiable task ensures daily progress despite interruptions

Remember: productivity isn't about doing more things - it's about doing the right things. Your value isn't measured by the length of your to-do list but by the impact of your completed priorities.

💼 Featured Sales Opportunities

Curated roles for sales professionals who want to advance their careers

Adobe — Remote - Enterprise Sales Account Director, State and Local Government

Okta — New York/New Jersey - Area Sales Director, Strategic Sales

CloudFlare — Chicago - Sales Director, Majors

Limelight — Los Angeles - Sales Rep

🔍 Have a sales role to promote? Email me at [email protected] for featuring opportunities.

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