The high-impact todo list is blank

The toughest part of going from hands-on → strategic is figuring out what to do instead of the client work and the problem-solving.

If I wave a magic wand that deletes everything scheduled for tomorrow, so you can focus on anything you like:

What will you work on?

If the thought of an empty calendar induces anxiety, you’re not alone.

Many tech leaders struggle with this transition. They built careers from being doers, but working harder does not translate to better results with strategic work.

It requires a different mindset and plenty of distraction-free focus time.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to sit alone, be uncomfortable with an empty notepad, and work on a difficult problem—the most important problem.

If it sounds boring, it’s because it is. But it’s also necessary for bigger results.

Because it’s boring, it’s much more comfortable to check Slack and jump on a pressing issue or work on something more tangible (also valuable—in a different way).

But the trouble is, anyone else could have done that work.

The strategic work you need to do is the work that only you can do.

Here’s a quick exercise:

• Imagine your ideal day as a strategic leader.
• What activities would fill your calendar?
• How would these activities drive long-term value for your team and your company?

If you’re drawing a blank, that’s okay. It’s a skill you can develop.

The first step in the right direction is to start thinking about what you should spend your time on.

The second step is to make time in your calendar (I don’t really have a magic wand, sorry).

The third step is to actually commit to doing it, even though it’s uncomfortable, and find the reward in the process and the outcome.

P.S. I’ll be sending some actionable tips on all of this soon. Have a fantastic weekend!

Yours,

Taj