Choice, the next most important thing

After much mental deliberation, I seem to note that one of the major difference's between those who achieve (by any reasonable measure) and those confined to mediocrity, is what they say and whom they say it to, (the frequency of this) and what element of next action or follow up takes place. Not surprising it comes down to time and choice

Escape physical profession's (like professional sports) this is what differentiates the vast majority of us, what we say, to whom we say it and most importantly what do we do next. Is there appropriate meaning full follow up (action).
The choice of what to do next, is really a question of what to invest (the most limited commodity) (time) in doing.

In the "new economy" (transitioning from the industrial age) where manufacturing is no long the leading source of employment, we are frequently empowered with the freedom of choice within our roles.

The majority of the time people aren't telling us what to do next as well we aren't performing 1 remote function or responsibility. What to do next is now the key, no longer is it simply faster & better, its what is important, what will matter. Faster and better of something meaningless becomes... meaningless.
In the "new economy" you should be considering adopting the entrepreneur's mindset (regardless of your employment).

In the moment, what is your skill set at being able to decipher, from all that has to be done, what the next most important thing to do is?

How do you improve the skill set necessary to recognize this?
A considertion may be starting with itemizing what you do and deeming what is important and what is not. www.rescuetime.com can be a great tool to assist with tracking what you do.
Once you've tracked and determined what is and isn't important the next question to ask is, have you structured your day to maximize what is important?

Google calendar and the ability to utilize multiple overlapping calendars can help you structure ideal daily routine over-top of your actual work calendar. (color coat, reminders, its great)
Finally, do you have the self-awareness/discipline to stay focused and in the moment, consciously realizing you are drifting or allowing yourself to be consumed by rote regular/meaningless tasks. Can you set your environment to limit distraction?

These are behaviors worth pondering as the mastery of this can be the difference.