In a recent LinkedIn post, Daniel Priestley shares a practical framework for business leaders to identify and focus on their most impactful tasks, urging a strategic shift in activity prioritization before the year 2026.
Priestley introduces a simple yet powerful exercise: taking a blank piece of paper and dividing it into two columns. One side is labeled “highest value activities” (HVAs), and the other is for “low value activities” (LVAs). He defines HVAs as tasks that would be prohibitively expensive to outsource or are nearly impossible to delegate, emphasizing that these are the crucial actions that significantly influence the trajectory of one’s life or business.
“HVAs = would cost a lot to outsource or would nearly impossible to delegate. These are the big things that move the needle on your life.”
Conversely, Priestley characterizes LVAs as tasks that are objectively simple to delegate or outsource and do not fundamentally alter the course of one’s progress.
“LVAs = Objectively shouldn’t be difficult to outsource or delegate. These don’t really change the course of your life.”
The Power of Strategic Delegation
The core of Priestley’s advice lies in the actionable steps following the creation of these two lists. He recommends not only making the lists independently but also seeking external input by asking trusted individuals to review them. This collaborative approach can offer fresh perspectives and ensure that no critical high-value activities have been overlooked.
“Make the two lists. Ask people who know you if you think you missed anything,” Priestley advises.
The ultimate goal, as outlined by Priestley, is to leverage this newfound clarity for strategic action in the coming year. By consciously delegating the low-value activities, individuals and businesses can free up significant time and mental energy to dedicate to the high-value activities that truly drive growth and success.
Preparing for Future Growth
Priestley frames this exercise as a preparatory step, particularly relevant as the year 2026 approaches. This proactive approach to time and task management is crucial for leaders aiming to stay ahead of trends and achieve significant milestones. He suggests that consistent application of this principle can lead to a more focused and effective business strategy.
“Next year, delegate the low value activities and spend more time on the high value activities.”
This emphasis on distinguishing between what is merely busywork and what is genuinely impactful work is a recurring theme in discussions about productivity and leadership effectiveness. Priestley’s method provides a clear, actionable system for anyone looking to optimize their efforts and ensure they are concentrating on the activities that yield the greatest returns.
Priestley also announced a live webinar, “Make it Big in 2026,” aimed at helping individuals get ahead of trends and make the upcoming year a breakout success, noting that similar events have historically been oversubscribed.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Daniel Priestley on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 26, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →