Do What Matters Most: Lead with a Vision, Manage with a Plan, Prioritize Your Time.
by Rob Shallenberger, May 2021
Who
Rob Shallenberger:
Rob Shallenberger is a leadership expert, former fighter pilot, and CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership. With over two decades of experience in high-performance coaching and executive training, he specializes in helping individuals and organizations maximize their potential through proven systems of productivity and time management. Drawing on research and real-world applications, Shallenberger has developed methodologies that empower leaders to be more effective, strategic, and balanced in their professional and personal lives.
Book Summary:
Do What Matters Most is a practical, research-backed guide that introduces three core habits to dramatically improve performance and fulfillment: developing a personal vision, setting clear annual goals, and practicing pre-week planning. Shallenberger argues that most people and organizations operate reactively, constantly responding to urgent tasks instead of proactively focusing on high-value activities that align with long-term success. This book provides a structured approach to reclaiming time, eliminating distractions, and ensuring that every action contributes to meaningful progress.
The book is rooted in research from high-performing executives and teams, revealing that 68% of professionals operate without clear written goals, and 80% lack a system to prioritize tasks effectively. Shallenberger’s method bridges this gap by offering practical strategies to align daily activities with overarching personal and professional aspirations. Through case studies and real-world applications, he demonstrates how successful leaders use these habits to maintain focus, increase productivity, and improve work-life balance.
A major focus of the book is pre-week planning, a process designed to help individuals allocate time to their highest priorities before the week begins. This technique has been shown to increase productivity by 30-50% while reducing stress and overwhelm. By emphasizing intentionality and time management, Shallenberger helps readers transition from being busy to being truly effective.
Through compelling examples from business leaders, elite military personnel, and high-achieving professionals, Do What Matters Most delivers a clear and actionable roadmap for anyone looking to take control of their time, increase efficiency, and lead with confidence.
Book Review:
Do What Matters Most is a must-read for leaders, professionals, and individuals looking to break free from reactive work habits and take control of their time. Rob Shallenberger provides a simple yet powerful framework that transforms the way we approach productivity and goal setting. His emphasis on vision, goal-setting, and pre-week planning is not just theoretical—it’s a practical system that has been tested and proven in diverse fields, from corporate leadership to military aviation.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its immediacy and applicability. Unlike many time management books that offer abstract concepts, Do What Matters Most provides step-by-step instructions, templates, and real-world success stories that guide readers through implementing these habits. Shallenberger’s writing is clear, structured, and highly engaging, making it easy for readers to absorb the concepts and put them into practice.
However, the book does have some limitations. While the strategies are powerful, some readers may find that they require significant discipline and consistency to implement effectively. For individuals who struggle with self-motivation or work in highly unpredictable environments, adapting these methods might take additional effort. A deeper discussion on overcoming common barriers to habit formation and maintaining long-term commitment would enhance the book’s utility.
Despite this, Do What Matters Most stands out for its ability to shift mindsets and provide a framework that, when followed, yields tangible results. The book is particularly valuable for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to optimize their performance and balance their responsibilities effectively.
Pros:
✔ Actionable Framework – The book provides a clear, step-by-step process that is easy to follow and implement.
✔ Research-Backed Insights – Shallenberger supports his recommendations with data and real-world examples.
✔ Broad Applicability – Useful for both individuals and organizations looking to improve productivity and efficiency.
✔ Focus on Proactivity – Encourages readers to take control of their time rather than reacting to urgent but unimportant tasks.
✔ Balanced Approach – Combines strategic vision with tactical execution, ensuring both long-term direction and short-term efficiency.
Cons:
❌ Repetitive in Some Areas – Some concepts are reiterated multiple times, which can feel redundant.
❌ Limited Depth in Complex Situations – While effective for personal and small-team planning, the book does not deeply address complex organizational structures or large-scale project management.
❌ Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution – The framework works well for individuals and small teams, but large organizations may need additional tools and methodologies.
Practical and Technical Benefits for Project Managers:
Practical Benefits:
Improved Productivity: Learn how to plan proactively and prioritize high-impact activities.
Time Management Optimization: Implement strategies that help reclaim time and avoid distractions.
Goal-Setting Mastery: Develop a system to align daily tasks with long-term goals.
Work-Life Balance: Reduce stress and burnout by focusing on what truly matters.
Leadership Development: Enhance decision-making skills and lead teams with greater clarity and purpose.
Technical Benefits:
Pre-Week Planning: A structured approach to managing time that has been shown to increase efficiency by 30-50%.
Vision and Goal Alignment: Tools to align personal and professional aspirations with daily actions.
Research-Backed Framework: Based on studies that reveal the performance gap caused by lack of planning.
Accountability Strategies: Techniques to stay on track and measure progress effectively.
Conclusion
Do What Matters Most reframes productivity as an intentional practice rather than a reactive struggle. Shallenberger provides an evidence-based system that empowers professionals and leaders to take control of their time, align their efforts with meaningful goals, and achieve sustainable success. By integrating strategic planning with daily execution, this book offers a roadmap to higher performance, reduced stress, and greater fulfillment in both work and life.
With 68% of professionals lacking clear goals and 80% struggling with prioritization, this book addresses a critical gap in personal and organizational effectiveness. Studies show that organizations with goal-setting frameworks experience a 20-30% improvement in performance, making these principles invaluable for business leaders and HR professionals seeking to enhance workplace efficiency and employee engagement.
For managers, executives, and HR leaders, Do What Matters Most provides actionable strategies to foster a culture of accountability and high performance. For individuals looking to improve work-life balance, it offers a structured, achievable system to take control of their time and focus on what truly matters.
In a world where distractions are abundant and demands are high, this book is a timely and essential resource for anyone committed to leading with purpose, managing with clarity, and prioritizing what matters most.
