A common problem that so many people have is prioritizing their responsibilities incorrectly. I used to have this problem. In Sylvia Brown’s book Soul’s Perfection, she suggests creating a list that answers the question “Where does my time go?” Then create a second list, this time ask yourself "Where should my time go?"
The first time I did it, possibly 2016, this was what I came up with:
Where does my time go?
1. Blogging
2. Marketing
3. Procrastinating
4. Writing
5. Reading
Where should my time go?
1. Writing
2. Learning/Reading
3. Relaxing
4. Marketing
5. Blogging
Years later, in 2018, I tried it again.
Where does my time go?
1. Marketing
2. Blogging
3. Reading
4. Editing
5. Writing
Where should my time go?
1. Writing
2. Reading
3. Blogging
4. Editing
5. Marketing
In 2020:
Where does my time go?
1. Writing
2. Editing
3. Learning/Reading
4. Marketing
5. Artistic Pursuits
Where should my time go?
1. Writing
2. Editing
3. Learning/Reading
4. Marketing
5. Artistic Pursuits
Did you notice that in 2020 I finally had my priorities right?
In 2022, my priorities were different, though. Throughout our lives, things change. Our responsibilities change, which means our priorities and their placements also have to change.
Where does my time go?
1. Caregiving
2. Blogging
3. Learning/Reading
4. Resting
5. Writing
Where should my time go?
1. Caregiving
2. Resting
3. Writing
4. Blogging
5. Learning/Reading
Did you notice that in 2022 writing was at the bottom of where my time was going? That was because of my caregiving responsibilities impacting my writing, as well as my ability to rest.
Now, it’s your turn.
Where does your time go?
What should it be like instead?
Now, adjust accordingly. What do you need to do to start prioritizing your life correctly?
Take small steps. Don’t try to create radical change so suddenly.
Your first step today is to notice which item you are prioritizing lower that needs to be higher and creating a plan to change that. Baby steps. Implement one strategy to shift this more important priority higher. It may take some time to get there, but in the end, when you have your responsibilities in the correct order, you will feel much more balanced and happier. That is the goal.
Interesting. That's probably a good exercise.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting, Liz!
DeleteThis post has me thinking.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
That's always a good thing.
DeleteHi Chrys - I think I might leave til it's a bit warmer with longer days ... but exercise, exercise, reading, blogging, catching up with comments, ensuring my volunteer work for various groups is organised and ready to go ... keeps my brain busy. But after 5 1/2 years of care giving ... my priorities slightly changed - this year must become more organised and efficient - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteCaregiving definitely does change ones priorities.
DeleteWhat a great question! I'll give myself time to consider this, as I think it will be beneficial. I'm currently trying to fit in a lot of things and yet seem to be achieving very little.
ReplyDeleteFiguring out what are priorities are and what they should be is surely beneficial.
DeleteOoh, I like this! It's the sort of thing I try to think of every time I come up with a new writing schedule...
ReplyDeleteThat's good! :)
Delete