Be more selective when it comes to decision-making.

Being selective will help ensure you spend your time on productive efforts that will lead to success.

1. Apply the 90% rule to your life.
   The 90% rule refers to only making a decision about something if it scores in the top 90% for your requirements. For example, if you are conducting job interviews, you can apply the 90% rule and only hire interviewees who rate as a 9 or above on a scale of 1–10.

2. Before you make a decision, ask yourself, “Is this exactly what I am looking for?”
   If the answer isn’t a definite yes, it should be considered a no.

3. Create a criteria checklist to evaluate all opportunities that come your way.
   First, write down a list of three minimum criteria the opportunity will need to be considered. Then, write down a list of three extreme criteria the opportunity would ideally meet. If the opportunity passes two of the three extreme criteria, say yes to it.

4. Start saying “no” more!
   When faced with a list of competing priorities, eliminate the less important ones from your list before starting on the most important ones.