Hi Reader,

Bottom Line Up Front: Pick any important task and start now for just 5-15 minutes—you’re a winner the moment you take action!

Feeling buried under a pile of to-do lists, projects, and important tasks? Do you ever freeze because you’re not sure which one to tackle first, only to watch them pile up until they’re urgent?

I’ve been there, and I’ve got the t-shirt to prove it.

If you’re thinking, “Okay, Captain Obvious, but how do I break the cycle?”—here’s the game-changer: You’re a winner either way. Pick any important task and dive in. It doesn’t matter which one—you’ll be successful because you’re making progress.
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​Why Any Action Makes You a Winner

When you’ve got a list of important (but not urgent) tasks, overthinking which one is “most important” wastes time. Instead, pick one and give it 5-15 minutes. That small action creates momentum, sparks a dopamine hit, and sets you up for success.

The win isn’t in choosing the “perfect” task—it’s in starting.

Example: Three important tasks on my plate today:

• Writing a college paper due in two weeks.
• Planning a fundraising event six months out.
• Outlining a new personal project to boost my skills.

No matter which I pick, I’m winning. Any important task you start makes you a winner.
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​A Lesson from the USS Theodore Roosevelt

When I first reported to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (“TR”) as a new officer, I was overwhelmed. Fresh off submarine duty, I was now on an aircraft carrier with 5,000+ people and a mountain of responsibilities. Urgent tasks got done, but the important ones? They sat until they became urgent too.

Then I watched my Department Head. He didn’t agonize over priority—he just started on something important and got it done. That’s when it hit me: You don’t need to overthink it—just start. Any important task you tackle is a win.
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​You’re Not Alone

I’ve led, coached, or worked with thousands in the Navy, business, and non-profits—and 90% wrestle with this exact overwhelm. But here’s the truth: You’re already a winner. The moment you take action, you’re making a difference.

I’ll never forget boarding a plane to Iraq with a rag-tag team of volunteers for a six-month mission. As we walked to the aircraft, a crowd lined up, shaking our hands and saying, “You’ve already made a difference.” Their message? You’re a winner just for showing up and starting.
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​Three Questions to Kickstart Your Win

1. What’s one important task you can start now? It doesn’t matter which—just pick one.
2. Are you wasting time trying to prioritize perfection? Any important task you start is a step toward success.
3. Does the power of starting resonate with you? Action creates momentum and crushes overwhelm.

Your Next Step

Grab your list of goals or your to-do list. Pick one important task—maybe it’s drafting an email, planning a meeting, or taking a walk to get in some steps to improve your fitness.

Set a timer for 5 minutes and start.​
You’re a winner the moment you do.

Bonus: Another Reason You’re a Winner Either Way

Here’s the extra win you might not have seen coming: Finishing any item from your important list makes you a winner—twice.

Not only do you win by starting, you win again by getting it done. No more paralysis over “which important thing is more important.” Just decide, pick one, and finish it. That’s victory on two fronts.

(I’ll dive deeper into this “double-win” mindset in a future newsletter—stay tuned.)

What’s your next important task? Reply to this newsletter and let me know—I’d love to cheer you on as you build momentum!

Keep winning,

Michael
To Getting It Done!

P.S. Empowering Emerging Leaders to Crush Goals with Navy-Honed Processes! • Free 30-min Zoom coaching: https://calendly.com/michael-togettingitdone/30min​ • Free 52-week leadership email tools: www.togettingitdone.com • Grab your copy of To Getting It Done, with 38 Navy-proven tools to empower you to get results today (click on the picture below): ​ MICHAEL A. WHITT To Getting It Done! Website: www.togettingitdone.com/​ Email: michael@togettingitdone.com​ Cell: (808) 295-1591​ Q: Have you helped someone else to make the world a better place today? ​​​

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