Are your priorities in order?
Time is a precious commodity, we all would like more, but we only have what we’ve got. As children, we used to think that time was endless, that it was a long time for days to pass. In fact, we were easily bored and always felt we were waiting. As adults, we barely have enough time, and finding ourselves bored is sometimes quite refreshing. There is always something that needs to be done, many times, multiple things at the same time. With precious little time to spare, it is important for us to learn to prioritize and ensure that we have enough time for the things that matter to us.
Priorities
Priorities are those things that we want to make sure we set aside time for. At least that is what we think. But what if you asked a stranger to observe you and to create a list of what that person thinks your priorities are? What would the list look like?
Sadly, for a lot of people the list would probably include things like:
- Watch favourite TV shows
- Do Facebook
- Play video games
- Eat junk food
- Shopping / online shopping
- Read email jokes
- Read gossip in magazines or magazine websites
The Truth About Priorities
Strangely, we normally believe our priorities to be playing with kids, exercising, eating healthy, keeping a nice home, going out, have a hobby and doing other activities that enrich our lives. But the truth is, our priorities are based on what we give more time to. If the TV or the ipad is taking most of our free time, then the TV and the iPad are a priority for you.
People commonly say things like “Such person needs to get her priorities straight” or “you need to know what your priorities are”. It is easy to believe that our own priorities are in the right place, but are they? Having the right priorities is more than thinking you do, but actually act and demonstrate it.
Do you have your priorities straight? Make a list of what you do with your free time and see if it matches what you would like it to be. If you are unhappy with the list, make changes and start adding things that really matter to you. Give more time to what you value and less to what you don’t. Remember, the key is the time we spend in each activity.
If you need some extra assistance sorting out your list, perhaps it could be of help to come for a session or two (what happens in a counselling session?). Contact me if you have any questions.