Even though it might be difficult, it is some extremely useful and accurate advice. The overarching point is that you need to focus on what's truly important.

Even though it might be difficult, it is some extremely useful and accurate advice. The overarching point is that you need to focus on what's truly important. This does not mean you need to be rude or outright say "no" in a blunt or un-tactful way. You can come up with any way you like to manage those interruptions and distractions. The point is that people who truly get things completed usually keep their focus and know how to say no to things that aren't truly important. It's extremely useful to me at this point in my career, and I can think of others who have the same issue, being constantly busy with less important "now" items and being unable to focus on what I believe is really important. Part of it is the company, the people, and that I'm able to do many things; but most of the problem is in how I manage those inputs, and what I train people to do. It's my responsibility to manage my own time to reach the greatest impact, and in doing that, the company will improve; even for the people who think they needed my time urgently. I'm a huge systems thinker and I generally try not to blame individuals for problems, but this is something I recognize as being almost totally on me.