Ponderings (July 2007) - “PRIORITY”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Priority is “something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives”

Sharing my thoughts …

We just returned from vacation.  As soon as we pulled into the driveway my mind kicked into high gear thinking of all the things I “have to” and “want to” do (check and respond to email, write Ponderings, organize the vacation pictures, do the laundry, etc. etc. --- the list goes on and on!).  At first, it was overwhelming, especially since I was in “relaxation mode” for the last week!  However, the overwhelmed feeling dissipated as soon as I prioritized my long list of “to do’s”.  Once I set my priorities, I felt calm and focused and was able to accomplish the things that were most important.  I admit, it took conscious effort to avoid distractions and keep focused on the top priorities; but, the end result of taking care of what was most important was worth the effort and left me with a sense of accomplishment and peacefulness.

Questions to ponder …

1. What are your top priorities in life?
2. What priorities are shown by your actions?
3. What are your top 3 priorities for this week?
4. How can you effectively schedule your priorities?
5. How do you feel when you ignore your priorities?
6. How do you feel when you stick to your priorities?
7. How often do you review and modify your priorities?
8. How have your priorities changed over the last 3 years?
9. What distractions take you away from focusing on your priorities?
10. What can you do to minimize distractions and stay true to your priorities?

Related quotes …

The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.  [Stephen R Covey]

Set priorities for your goals.  A major part of successful living lies in the ability to put first things first.  Indeed, the reason most major goals are not achieved is that we spend our time doing second things first.  [Robert J McKain]

Action expresses priorities.  [Mahatma Gandhi]

I learned that we can do anything, but we can’t do everything ... at least not at the same time.  So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them.  Timing is everything.  [Dan Millman]

Don't tell me where your priorities are.  Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are.  [James W Frick]