Why 'Easy Tasks First' Doesn't Work for Software Developers

Why 'Easy Tasks First' Fails for Software Developers—and What to Do Instead

Many productivity experts recommend starting the day with easy tasks to build momentum. While this may work for general knowledge work, it’s a flawed strategy for software developers and architects. Here’s why—and what to do instead.

The Cost of Context Switching 🔄

Deep focus is crucial for software development. Kicking off the day with small tasks forces multiple context switches, each carrying a significant mental overhead. Every switch requires developers to:

• Reload the relevant codebase into working memory
• Revisit architectural decisions and constraints
• Re-enter the right mental model for complex problem-solving

These disruptions can take 15-30 minutes per switch, negating any supposed efficiency gains from quick wins.

Wasting Peak Mental Energy 🧠

Developers tend to have their highest mental clarity in the morning—prime time for:

• Tackling complex system design
• Solving difficult debugging challenges
• Making high-impact architectural decisions
• Working through intricate algorithms

Using these peak hours for minor tasks is like running a high-end GPU to open Notepad—an inefficient use of valuable resources.

The Hidden Cost of Delayed Complexity 💸

Deferring complex problems until later in the day often leads to:

• Reduced mental energy, increasing the temptation to take shortcuts
• Less thorough consideration of edge cases
• Short-term fixes that accumulate into long-term technical debt

By the time we finally address these challenges, we’re often too drained to give them the attention they deserve.

The Domino Effect of Dependencies 🎲

In software development, the hardest tasks often block other work. Delaying them can cause:

• Team members waiting on critical decisions
• Unresolved integration points slowing down progress
• Architecture delays that ripple across the entire project

Addressing these bottlenecks early keeps the development process flowing smoothly.

Disrupting Problem-Solving Momentum 🏃‍♂️

Complex software problems require sustained deep thinking. The dopamine boost from completing small tasks can actually work against us by:

• Breaking focus before deep insights emerge
• Interrupting the natural flow of problem-solving
• Making the context-switch cost greater than the motivational benefit

Think of it like solving a puzzle—just as you start seeing the big picture, you wouldn’t pause to do minor errands.

A Smarter Approach for Developers ✨

Instead of prioritizing easy tasks, consider a workflow that aligns with how developers work best:

• Start with the hardest or most critical technical task while mental energy is highest
• Reserve the afternoon for smaller tasks, code reviews, and admin work
• Batch similar small tasks together to minimize context switching
• Block off deep work sessions for complex problem-solving
• Save low-effort tasks for when mental fatigue sets in

The Takeaway 📝

The “easy tasks first” strategy might work for general productivity, but software development thrives on deep focus and sustained problem-solving. Our best work happens when we tackle the hardest challenges while we’re at our sharpest.

Next time someone suggests starting the day with easy tasks, remember:

Software development isn’t about checking off to-dos—it’s about solving complex problems.

And that means prioritizing deep work over quick wins.

What’s your approach to task prioritization in software development? Do you start with hard tasks, or do you have a different strategy? Let’s discuss in the comments!