A refined priority list

Early in my blog, I wrote about concentrating on a few key projects or passions as a way of pouring our energy into what is most important.

The good news is that even if we have a shortlist of four or five priorities, we can hone our focus even further.

Why might we want to do this? Because it’s not possible to excel at everything on our list, and we can’t concentrate on the whole lot at once.

Our priorities don’t carry equal weight: some will be absolutely critical at this moment in our lives (perhaps parenting or a new job), while others we might do for pleasure rather than mastery (such as a favourite hobby).

By ordering and further defining our list, we can figure out the relative importance of each item, and thus where to concentrate our energy and skill refinement, as well as where we can relax and enjoy without striving.

Here’s an example of how my priority list looks at the moment:

1. Relationships. This area includes spirituality and connection with my family and friends. Nothing is more important to me than this. I want to reserve my freshest energy for this priority.
2. Writing. I would like to excel at my writing, so it’s high on the list. I indulge this passion through my blog, research-related work, and reading. I make time to write regularly, and publish consistently so that I don’t leave this skill development to chance.
3. Organizing. For years, I left this off my list as it didn’t feel like a “normal” interest! Once I acknowledged that I really do love to declutter and organize (and that it makes my life easier), I allowed it back onto my list and instantly felt better :)
4. Music. I enjoy playing the piano, and have recently started learning the guitar. It’s pure pleasure, and I don’t care whether I ever manage to do it all that well. I have no longer-term goals other than to keep taking lessons, and to practice most days.
5. Hiking. I am thrilled when I manage a half-day walk in a beautiful location, let alone attempting anything major. Being “hiking-fit” motivates me to exercise, and I am looking forward to being able to do more one day, but for now it’s lower in priority so I do it when I can.

A short, sharply focused list simplifies daily decision-making, shows us where to invest the majority of our time, energy, and money, and guides us in our leisure time. It helps us fill our days with motivating and challenging activities that provide more satisfaction than getting stuck completing non-priority tasks, or just struggling to keep up.

Is your priority list short and sweet; or do you feel pulled in many directions?

Comments

[Becs]

Thanks for the reminder! I would like to make more time for exercise, even if I just stick in the yoga DVD for 45 minutes.

[Kim Woodland]

My pleasure, Becs. Enjoy the yoga, it's also one of my favourite ways to relax.