The Power of Prioritization: An Atomic Habit

“Prioritization is always atomic, decisions are cumulative” — this quote originated during one of my Product Leadership workshops in 2023.

Let me unpack this for you.

I am referring to the fundamental difference between making a single, critical choice (prioritization) and the ongoing process of building upon that initial decision (decisions).

Atomic prioritization refers to the idea that setting priorities is a fundamental and indivisible act. Each priority you set is distinct and independent, and you shouldn’t prioritize one thing by simply breaking it down into smaller sub-priorities.

Cumulative decisions on the other hand, suggests that the choices you make, big or small, add up over time. Every decision you make, influenced by your priorities, contributes to the overall outcome.

So putting this together:

• Prioritization is atomic: You decide on the most important things, one at a time, in a fundamental way. Each priority is a single, indivisible unit.
• Decisions are cumulative: The many choices you make, based on your priorities, accumulate and have a combined effect on the end result.

In simpler terms, this quote emphasizes that setting clear priorities is crucial, and all the decisions you make should reflect those priorities. The small, everyday decisions you make pile up and ultimately determine your success in achieving your goals.