THE Profit First Podcast

How to Prioritize When Everything Feels Important


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This Week’s Profit First Club Newsletter

Estimated Read Time: 5 mins

Hey Profit First Champions

It’s Stephen Edwards here from We Are Gro Accountants. This week on the Profit First Podcast, we're tackling a subject every business owner struggles with at some point: overwhelm—especially when it comes to deciding what to work on next.

Whether you’re constantly firefighting or finally have a bit of breathing space, this episode is designed to help you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.

 

Key Topics Covered
1. Two Types of Overwhelm
  • In the Weeds: You’re the go-to person for everything, even if you have a team. If you’re constantly firefighting, something needs to shift.

    Too Much Space: You’ve managed to step back from the day-to-day, but now you’re unsure how to use your time effectively. The lack of clear direction creates its own version of overwhelm.

    2. Why Traditional To-Do Lists Don’t Work
    • Traditional to-do lists just keep growing. They create the illusion of productivity while leaving you more stressed.

      We recommend using a priority list instead—one that’s focused on impact, not just tasks. This shift in approach helps you stay clear and results-driven.

       

      3. The 80/20 Rule in Action
      • Use the Pareto Principle:

        20% of your efforts drive 80% of your results.

         

        Your goal is to identify the few high-leverage activities that make the biggest difference. Focus your energy there.

         

        4. A Simple Tool to Prioritize Like a Pro

        Grab a sheet of paper and list 5–6 things you’ve been meaning to do. Then, rank each task:

        • Ease of Implementation: How easy is this to execute? (Score 1–10)

        • Impact on the Business: How much value will this add? (Score 1–10)

          Multiply the scores for each task. The highest scoring task is your top priority—it’s the one with the best mix of simplicity and payoff.

          5. Tip of the Week: Start with One Domino

          Pick just one task with a high ease-and-impact score. Completing it will create momentum—and likely make other tasks easier to complete.

          Think of it as a domino effect: knock down one big piece, and others will fall in place more easily.

          If you're still in the “everything depends on me” phase, my book How to Build a Business That Runs Without You dives deeper into the Entrepreneur Freedom System—a 10-step roadmap to reclaim your time and scale your business sustainably.

          Action Step: Identify Your One Thing

          Take 10 minutes this week to:

          • Score 5–6 tasks using the 10x10 matrix.

          • Pick one priority.

          • Commit to knocking it out before the week ends.

             

            Until next week—stay focused and keep putting Profit First!

             

            Let’s Talk

            Want to see what it looks like to build a numbers plan with our team? Drop us a message or visit our site: wearegro.co.uk

            Until next time, keep putting Profit First.

            Warm regards,
            Stephen Edwards
            Founder & Profit First Coach
            We Are Gro Accountants

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            THE Profit First PodcastBy Gro Profit First Accountants