The Power of Ten: Making Each Day Count
There’s a secret to productivity that’s both simple and profound: each day, write down ten things that truly matter. Ten tasks, ten actions, ten steps forward—chosen deliberately to propel you closer to your biggest goals. Identifying these ten priorities forces clarity and focus, ensuring that what fills your day is meaningful, not just busy work.
The Ten-Item Strategy
Why ten? It’s achievable yet challenging. It’s enough to push you but not so much that it feels overwhelming. And most importantly, it keeps you accountable to your larger life strategy.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Big-Picture Thinking: Review your long-term goals.
- Daily Alignment: Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I could do today to move closer to this goal?”
- Prioritize Impact: Choose tasks that have a tangible payoff.
- Write Them Down: Physically write your list—there’s power in putting pen to paper.
- Cross Them Off: As you complete each task, cross it off. It’s more than symbolic—it’s a dopamine hit of accomplishment.
The Emotional Satisfaction of Crossing Things Off
There’s something deeply satisfying about that simple act of drawing a line through a task. It’s a moment of closure, a tangible sign that progress has been made. Crossing something off isn’t just about productivity; it’s about recognizing your effort and validating your journey.
A Real-World Story: The “Breakthrough Ten” List
Meet Elena, a corporate strategist and single mother. For years, she felt stuck—pulled in a hundred directions, yet never truly moving forward. Then, she discovered the “Ten-Item Strategy.” Each morning, she wrote down ten things: three for her career, three for her personal growth, three for her family, and one just for herself.
One Monday morning, her list looked like this:
- Finalize the presentation for the board meeting.
- Call three potential clients about the new proposal.
- Submit the application for a leadership course.
- Research local after-school programs for her daughter.
- Plan a family outing for the weekend.
- Schedule a dentist appointment.
- Write in her journal for 10 minutes.
- Meal prep for the week.
- Review her savings goals.
- Walk in the park to decompress.
By Friday, Elena had crossed off every single item. It wasn’t always easy—she had to say “no” to some distractions to stick to her list. But at the end of the week, she felt lighter, more accomplished, and more in control of her life.
For Elena, the magic wasn’t just in getting things done. It was in the intentionality of her approach. Writing down her ten tasks gave her clarity. Crossing them off gave her momentum.
Your Turn: Building the Habit
Print out 100 of these ten-item cards, or keep a dedicated notebook. Start small. Each morning or evening, write your ten. Then commit to them. Adjust as necessary, but keep showing up. Over time, you’ll not only get things done—you’ll become the person who gets things done.
Here’s the takeaway: It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things—ten at a time.