Setting Priorities

Life contains a series of choices. Each and every choice we make reflects our priorities.

When the phone rings, some people look at the caller identification and decide whether to answer or allow the answering machine to take it. I have even known many people in the home based business industry to proudly acclaim that they do not answer their own telephone. Unfortunately most Americans and probably other countries as well, become so involved with their daily lives that personal communication falls off the priority list.

It is easier and faster to dash off a quick email rather than write a personal note. Yes, it takes a few more minutes to hand write a note, place it in an envelope, address the envelope, stamp it and walk it out to the mail box. How do you feel when you receive and email? How do you feel when you receive a hand written note? The note feels so much more personal than the email. Granted, an email provides more value and immediate response than the “intend to get around to writing the note procrastination” response. An email therefore provides more than intending to write the note but not doing it.

Everything comes down to our priorities. Ask most people what they value most and the response centers around friends and family. Caring about people constitutes an excellent priority. Be honest with yourself. Look carefully at your daily calendar. What do you see on the entries in that day timer? Are the entries truly reflecting the priorities you declare?

Your day timer, whether it be electronic or hand written, reflects where you schedule your time. Do you block off time for your children’s activities? Do you block off time for “date night” with your spouse or significant other? Do you block off time for community and spiritual events? If we are truly honest with ourselves and others, we will probably have to admit that our calendars reflect business. Our priorities in writing do not reflect the same priorities which we state verbally. Examine your life. Examine your priorities. Play the match game.

Truly, I am guilty of working far too much and not scheduling my “play” time. Whenever my son calls and even hints that I may have an opportunity to see him and see my grandsons, I jump at the chance. I am guilty of not scheduling that time on a frequent basis. Family time by unscheduled opportunity does not equal family time scheduled as a priority in my daily life. How about you?

We all use the same “I am working hard to provide for my family” excuse. Yes, providing for the family motivates most of us. Providing material necessities and comforts represents only part of our responsibility. The element which seems to slip on the priority list is the emotional component.

A group of junior high youth was asked about their greatest desire in life. One twelve year old young man wrote that his parents give him every material possession he desires. His friends consider him very fortunate to have such generous parents. He stated his greatest desire as receiving more of his parent’s time and less of their money.

Ouch! How many of us does that provide an eye opening realization? Our responsibility as parents constitutes more than material provision for our family. We also have a mental, emotional and quality time responsibility. Perhaps our priorities are a bit askew.

Examine your priorities. Look honestly at your entire day, week, month and annual calendar. What priorities are reflected on your calendar? Where is your time scheduled?

Self-examination may not be fun; however, examining life objectively does reflect our true priorities. Good news. Today begins a new day. If your written priorities do not match your stated priorities, you have the ability to make changes until they do match.

For more inspiration, thought provoking ideas and opportunities to step up your game of life, join me at www.Elaine4Success.com. Let me assist you in creating the life of your dreams. Achieve your goals. Live your true priorities.