My Priorities Were Screaming at Me

 Are your priorities screaming?  While they may not be screaming at you, I bet they are screaming at other people.  Probably without you even knowing it.  I know I had no idea that my priorities were on display.  And what they say about you may not be what you think.

Choose Wisely

A few months ago, my pastor said something that really stuck with me.  He mentioned that he could tell a lot about people’s priorities by what they choose to do instead of coming to church.  For example, when someone stays home to watch the game, or goes to a sporting event on Sunday, their priorities say the sporting event is important at that moment. 

 Now of course he was talking about church.  But I have realized this is true of work too.  Before you get mad, I am not saying all sports are bad, or you should be in church every Sunday.  I love sports, especially football, and enjoy watching the games on Sunday.  I am just saying that a good look at your priorities once in a while may change your perspective and show you why you are not getting as far with the things you want to do.

I know there are times that I will answer a phone call from my boss after hours.  But I try not to do too much work after hours.  Making this choice allows me to focus on my crafting and hobbies.  I also find that I have time time to work on little things around the house in the evening.  This way I don’t have piles of things to do on the weekend.  And it gives me time to wind down and clear my head so I can focus on tomorrow’s work tomorrow without thinking about all those things I need to do around the house. 

I try to be very intentional in setting my priorities for the day.  I want to make sure that I have a solid plan in my head each morning.  That way when things come up (and let’s face it, something will always come up), I can choose if I want to do them based on my priorities for the day.

Stay Engaged 

For me, there is nothing worse than talking to someone and you know they are not listening to you.  You can tell they are distracted by other things.  They do not give you their full attention.  Even if you have to do work outside of work hours, make sure you set aside the other things.  Let the person, or the task as odd as that sounds, know that they are important to you.  Let them know you genuinely want to be engaged in that moment.  Try to let your priorities guide you.  Just make sure that you are going along for the ride and not being pulled kicking and screaming.

A Simple Review Can Save Your Sanity

Reviewing your priorities, and what they are saying about you, will help you see areas that might need some work.  This is not a bad thing.  Everyone needs to re-assess at some point.  I try to review my priorities regularly so that I do not get caught up in a web of tasks that never get done.  Remember, when everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority.  And at that point, your productivity usually grinds down to almost nothing.  You have the chance to stop that from happening before it even starts with just a simple review.

 Thanks for reading the blog.  I am always interested in your feedback so leave a comment and let me know how you focus on your priorities.  Talk to ya soon!  Dawn