When you have a strategy.
You can see what's aligned with it and what's not.
You can find it easier to say no to things.
You can know where the track is and how you can get back on it.
Building a strategy is a skill. And we can learn the skill with intent.
Check out Seth Godin's This is Strategy that can help you build your strategy as a creative, freelancer, student, parent or any other role you are playing in your life.