Focus on What Truly Matters: Prioritization
Series: The Effective Engineer - by Edmond Lau
In software engineering, there’s always more to do than time allows. From bug fixes to features, code reviews to meetings, the to-do list never ends. That’s why prioritisation is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.
We often mistake activity for progress, but being busy isn’t the same as being effective. Prioritisation ensures you’re investing your time and energy in work that truly moves the needle.
The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)
Eighty percent of results come from twenty percent of your efforts. The key is to identify that critical 20%, the high impact work that produces the most meaningful outcomes - and spend the majority of your time there.
Ask yourself:
- Which tasks create the biggest long term value?
- What can I stop doing without major consequences?
Focusing on the few things that matter most makes a dramatic difference in both productivity and impact.
Applying the Principle
- List all your tasks. Get everything out of your head and onto paper.
- Assess impact: Ask, “What will happen if I complete this?”
- Assess effort: Estimate how much time and complexity it requires.
- Prioritise: Focus on high-impact, low-to-moderate-effort work first.
The Impact/Effort Matrix
Use a simple 2x2 matrix to visualize your priorities:
- High Impact / Low Effort: Do these first. They deliver the biggest payoff fast.
- High Impact / High Effort: Plan and execute deliberately.
- Low Impact / Low Effort: Do these later, or during downtime.
- Low Impact / High Effort: Avoid or delegate whenever possible.
My Experience
When I started applying this approach, I realised how much time I was spending on tasks that didn’t significantly contribute to my goals. By automating repetitive reports and focusing on key engineering improvements, I freed up hours every week for more meaningful work.
Continuous Reassessment
Prioritisation isn’t static. Revisit your task list often - weekly, if possible as goals and circumstances evolve. Staying flexible ensures your effort remains aligned with what matters most.
Actionable Tips
- Start your day by identifying your top one to three priorities.
- Review weekly to realign with bigger goals.
- Define success before you start each project.
- Use the Impact/Effort Matrix to make trade offs visible.
- Delegate or automate low-impact, repetitive work.
Focusing on what truly matters means saying no to distractions, even good ones. When you invest your energy where it counts, you make a bigger impact without burning out.
Next up: Amplifying Your Impact — Leveraging Tools and Technology →