# Most important task (MIT), explained

URL: https://gocutline.com/glossary/most-important-task/

Most important tasks, or MITs, are the one to three tasks that would make the day a success if nothing else got done. Leo Babauta popularised the term on his blog Zen Habits.

## What it means
A to-do list treats everything as equal. Naming one to three MITs forces a choice about what matters today, and doing them early protects them from the rest of the day.

## How to do it in a calendar
- At the end of each day, choose tomorrow's MITs.
- Give each one a block in the morning.
- Everything else fits around them.

## An example
Tomorrow's MITs: send the proposal (09:00, 1 h), call the supplier (10:15, 30 min), train (17:00, 1 h). Each is a block in Cutline.

## Common mistakes
- **Five MITs.** Then none of them is most important.
- **MITs with no time.** If it is not in the calendar, it is a wish.

## Questions

**MIT or eat the frog?**
Same family. Eat the frog is one hard task first; MITs are up to three important ones, done early.

---
Cutline: Cutline is a weekly calendar and planner that turns time blocks into XP, levels and streaks. You plan your week in blocks, tick each one off when it is done, and see your progress on a social feed (the Floor) and a weekly leaderboard (the Arena). Planning and budgeting are free; paid plans add a badge, posting, messaging, shared calendars and lower selling fees, from $9 a month. Pro is free to try for 7 days.
Facts: https://gocutline.com/facts/ · Updated 2026-10-23