You’re Closer Than You Think

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Happy Monday!

There’s a concept in educational psychology called Cognitive Load Theory. It’s primarily used in learning applications, but I’ve also seen its logic play out in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Cognitive Load Theory

Here’s the core idea: when your working memory is flooded with too much unfiltered information, your brain can’t process it all. Learning stalls. Clarity disappears. The same thing happens when you’re juggling too many priorities. Too many projects. Too many pivot-worthy ideas.

Next thing you know, starting something new feels easier than finishing what you’ve begun. So you pivot. Again and again. But there’s a better way.

A Lesson From Disney CEO Bob Iger

In Bob Iger’s book, The Ride of a Lifetime, he recounts a time when he was being considered for the CEO role at Disney. A political consultant friend challenged him before he met with the board to boil his vision down to three core priorities.

That constraint changed how he led—and ultimately shaped Disney's future, including acquisitions of Marvel, Pixar, and countless other power moves that reshaped entertainment. How so? Because clarity creates momentum, and simplicity scales.

How Can You Apply This?

This week, I want you to do like Bob and choose three priorities. When you’re tempted to start chasing random ideas because your’re in system overload, I want you to implement this practice:

1. Write down everything you’re trying to do.

Get it all out—every project, priority, idea, and “maybe someday” plan. Your brain is not a filing cabinet. Freeing up mental space is the first step to getting your clarity back.

2. Circle the three things that actually move the needle.

Not what’s urgent. Not what looks good online. What actually matters to your mission right now? Choose your top three based on purpose and impact—not pressure.

3. Create constraints.

No more than three main focuses. One major decision per day. Two time blocks for deep work. Constraints aren’t limits—they’re lifelines. They keep your energy from leaking everywhere.

4. Give it 90 days.

Not 9 days. Not 9 hours. 90.
Focus long enough to let results emerge. Breakthroughs don’t happen when you jump ship—they happen when you stay long enough to finish building the boat.

If you are reading this far…

Did this email make you think of a friend on the same journey? If so, hit forward. We grow better together.

I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.

See you next week,