Where the term comes from
A staple of productivity writing, closely related to Eat the Frog and to the 1-3-5 rule.
Why it matters
It provides a clear success condition for a day. Without one, a day is judged by volume, and volume rewards small easy tasks over consequential ones.
The common mistake
Naming four or five MITs. If everything is most important, the label has done nothing.
What it looks like in practice
If today produced only one thing, what would make it a day well spent? Answer that before opening email, and the answer becomes the MIT. Answer it after opening email and the inbox will have answered it for you.
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Frequently asked questions
What is most important task (mit)?
A Most Important Task is the one item that, if completed, makes the day worthwhile — typically limited to one to three per day and identified before the day begins.
What's the most common mistake with most important task (mit)?
Naming four or five MITs. If everything is most important, the label has done nothing.