Priority Clarity Matrix

Purpose

Cut through task overwhelm by systematically evaluating what actually matters. This isn't just another prioritization framework—it's a ruthless clarity tool that helps you say no to the 80% that doesn't matter so you can focus on the 20% that does.

When to Use

Use this Skill when you need to:

• Make sense of a massive, overwhelming task list
• Decide what to work on when everything feels urgent
• Get comfortable saying no or letting things go
• Align daily work with bigger goals
• Break out of reactive mode into intentional work

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Dump All Tasks

Get everything visible.

Ask the user:

• "List every task, project, and commitment currently on your plate. Include work, personal, everything. Don't filter—just dump."

Capture:

• Active projects
• One-off tasks
• Recurring commitments
• Things you've been avoiding
• Ideas and "someday" items

Output Variable: task_dump

Step 2: Define Your North Stars

Understand what actually matters.

Ask the user:

• "What are your 1-3 most important goals or priorities right now? (The things that, if accomplished, would make everything else easier or unnecessary)"
• "What outcomes would you regret NOT achieving this quarter/year?"
• "What does success look like in your current season of life?"

Identify:

• Primary focus areas (max 3)
• Key outcomes that matter
• What you're optimizing for

Output Variable: north_stars

Step 3: Apply the Clarity Filter

Evaluate each task ruthlessly.

For each task, ask:

• "Does this directly contribute to one of your North Stars?"
• "What happens if this doesn't get done? (Be honest)"
• "Is this urgent, important, both, or neither?"
• "Are you the only one who can do this?"

Categorize into:

• Must Do: Directly advances North Stars, only you can do it, real consequences
• Should Delegate: Important but someone else could do it
• Should Schedule: Important but not urgent, needs dedicated time
• Should Drop: Doesn't advance North Stars, no real consequences
• Should Renegotiate: Committed but shouldn't have, need to adjust

Output Variable: categorized_tasks Context Used: task_dump, north_stars

Step 4: Apply Effort/Impact Analysis

For Must Do items, prioritize further.

For each Must Do task:

• Effort: How much time/energy? (Low/Medium/High)
• Impact: How much does it move the needle? (Low/Medium/High)

Prioritize:

1. High Impact / Low Effort (Quick wins - do first)
2. High Impact / High Effort (Big projects - schedule blocks)
3. Low Impact / Low Effort (Batch together)
4. Low Impact / High Effort (Question if truly must-do)

Output Variable: prioritized_tasks Context Used: categorized_tasks

Step 5: Create Action Plan

Turn analysis into clear next steps.

For top priorities:

• What's the very next action?
• When will you do it?
• What could block you?

For delegated items:

• Who will you delegate to?
• When will you have that conversation?

For dropped items:

• Do you need to communicate this to anyone?
• How will you let go of the guilt?

Output Variable: action_plan Context Used: prioritized_tasks

Step 6: Generate Clarity Document

Create the final prioritized view.

Create document with:

Your North Stars:

1. [Goal 1]
2. [Goal 2]
3. [Goal 3]

Priority Matrix:

| Priority | Task | Category | Next Action | When | |----------|------|----------|-------------|------| | 1 | [Task] | Quick Win | [Action] | [Time] | | 2 | [Task] | Big Project | [Action] | [Time] | | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |

To Delegate:

• [Task] → [Person] by [Date]

To Drop:

• [Task] - Letting go because: [reason]

To Renegotiate:

• [Commitment] - Need to discuss: [what]

Context Used: All previous steps

Output Format

Your Priority Clarity Matrix

North Stars (Your "Yes"):

1. [Goal 1]
2. [Goal 2]
3. [Goal 3]

This Week's Focus (Must Do): | # | Task | Impact | Effort | Next Action | |---|------|--------|--------|-------------| | 1 | ... | High | Low | ... | | 2 | ... | High | High | ... |

Delegate:

• [Task] → [Who]

Drop (Your "No"):

• [Task] - Why: [reason]

Holding Pen (Later):

• [Task] - Revisit: [when]

Tools

• basile_create_document - Creates the priority matrix document

Example

Input: Startup founder with 73 items on their to-do list, feeling paralyzed Output: North Stars identified (launch MVP, close funding round), tasks reduced to 8 Must Do items, 15 delegated to team, 40+ moved to "someday" or dropped entirely, with clear next actions for top 3 priorities.