I've had a lot going on in my life in the past several weeks—and it's not nearly over yet. However, I've been thinking that when I get through the experience that's been consuming my time and energy, I'd like to take time to re-evaluate my priorities again.
Every now and again, it's a good idea to look at how we're spending our time and energy. Are the things you say are your top priorities really those areas where your time is spent? Am I putting my highest level of energy into those things that best represent my values? We can all afford to ask such questions of ourselves from time to time.
Who am I now? What's important to me now? If I only had six months left, how would I spend that time?
I don't know how you feel. But I am of the mind that none of those questions is a once-and-done deal. Our priorities can change as we move through life. They can change depending on what experiences we've had that have deeply affected us. Further, we sometimes do what's placed in front of us without regard to what we truly hold dear. The things we value most can sometimes take a back seat to what others think is urgent and put on our plates. We might be reactive rather than proactive.
So stop a while. Take some time to examine your life, your values, and how your time and energy are spent. If you're happy with that, wonderful. If not, it's time for tweaking—or even for substantial change.
Showing posts with label priorities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label priorities. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Live your values
Are you spending your time doing those things that are important to you? Are you living your values? Following your true priorities?
For example, lots of people say they wish they could spend more time with their partners or their families. Yet when they're with them, they are either tied up on their smartphones or else thinking about what they have to do at the office or what's on their home to-do list. In fact, a recent study revealed that 80 percent of those surveyed said checking their smartphone is the first thing they do in the morning. That's before kissing their spouse, hugging their kids, going to the bathroom or brushing their teeth! So one might ask, What is high priority, really?
It's always good to look at how you are spending your time. What does a day look like for you? Then think about what's really important to you. Are those things getting on your daily schedule? Or are they getting no time and attention at all? Or just minimal attention? What do you need to change? Or at least tweak? It's so easy to get out of balance. I know I need to reflect on this every now and again to be sure I'm living my values. Why not do a "priorities maintenance check" today?
For example, lots of people say they wish they could spend more time with their partners or their families. Yet when they're with them, they are either tied up on their smartphones or else thinking about what they have to do at the office or what's on their home to-do list. In fact, a recent study revealed that 80 percent of those surveyed said checking their smartphone is the first thing they do in the morning. That's before kissing their spouse, hugging their kids, going to the bathroom or brushing their teeth! So one might ask, What is high priority, really?
It's always good to look at how you are spending your time. What does a day look like for you? Then think about what's really important to you. Are those things getting on your daily schedule? Or are they getting no time and attention at all? Or just minimal attention? What do you need to change? Or at least tweak? It's so easy to get out of balance. I know I need to reflect on this every now and again to be sure I'm living my values. Why not do a "priorities maintenance check" today?
Friday, November 30, 2012
No tomorrow
Just last weekend one of my cousins lost a young adult grandson to a car accident. What an absolutely heart-breaking and gut-wrenching experience! My heart just goes out to all the family, to all those who loved Ryan.
Every time something like this happens, it's yet another reminder to me that all I really have is this very moment. I am reminded to tell my loved ones often that I love them. I want to show them how much they mean to me. And I want to live each day to the fullest. Are there things I think are important that I have been putting off, thinking I'm just too busy to do them now? Yes, there surely are. Can I take a look at my to-do lists and re-prioritize? Yes.
Does my life and its activities truly reflect my beliefs and values? Or might I make different choices if I knew for sure that I only had days or weeks to live? How about you? Is there something in your life (or on your "bucket list") that really should get moved way up on your priority list?
Let's not wait. Let's take another look today and see whether we need to do some re-prioritizing. Maybe the words of Selena Gomez's song "Live Like There's No Tomorrow" can be our guide: "If there never was a night or day and memories could fade away, then there'd be nothing left but the dreams we made. Take a leap of faith and hope you fly; feel what it's like to be alive. Give it all that we've got and lay it all on the line...."
Live as though there's no tomorrow. All we really have is right now. Make it count!
Every time something like this happens, it's yet another reminder to me that all I really have is this very moment. I am reminded to tell my loved ones often that I love them. I want to show them how much they mean to me. And I want to live each day to the fullest. Are there things I think are important that I have been putting off, thinking I'm just too busy to do them now? Yes, there surely are. Can I take a look at my to-do lists and re-prioritize? Yes.
Does my life and its activities truly reflect my beliefs and values? Or might I make different choices if I knew for sure that I only had days or weeks to live? How about you? Is there something in your life (or on your "bucket list") that really should get moved way up on your priority list?
Let's not wait. Let's take another look today and see whether we need to do some re-prioritizing. Maybe the words of Selena Gomez's song "Live Like There's No Tomorrow" can be our guide: "If there never was a night or day and memories could fade away, then there'd be nothing left but the dreams we made. Take a leap of faith and hope you fly; feel what it's like to be alive. Give it all that we've got and lay it all on the line...."
Live as though there's no tomorrow. All we really have is right now. Make it count!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Live your values
I'm still on an emotional high from last weekend when I spent quality time with my oldest son, daughter-in-law and 11-year-old granddaughter. We had such good conversations, enjoyed healthy and delicious food, and made more beautiful memories.
My granddaughter and I had an afternoon for pure "grandma time," and we spent it playing—miniature golf, go-karts and games in the arcades that she liked. We did some shopping and had fun trying on sandals with bling! We also found some good bargains in summer clothes for her. What fun we had. The next day we relaxed at the spa with pedicures and manicures.
Beyond the pure enjoyment of this time, it carries special significance for me because it reflects my values and priorities. I value family. I especially value the grandparent-grandchild connection. I think it's a deeply important relationship to nurture. I can play a very different role in Olivia's life, for example, than can her parents, my son and daughter-in-law.
In addition, I value time spent in letting "little Sonia" come out to play. One of the ways I do that is with my grandchildren. And that one-on-one time is just the best.
Are you living out of your values? Have you thought about what they are? Do a reality check today and see how you're spending your time—and whether it's truly reflective of the values you hold dear.
If not, you know what to do. And if you'd like to work on this, please contact me for a no-obligation, complimentary strategy consultation.
My granddaughter and I had an afternoon for pure "grandma time," and we spent it playing—miniature golf, go-karts and games in the arcades that she liked. We did some shopping and had fun trying on sandals with bling! We also found some good bargains in summer clothes for her. What fun we had. The next day we relaxed at the spa with pedicures and manicures.
Beyond the pure enjoyment of this time, it carries special significance for me because it reflects my values and priorities. I value family. I especially value the grandparent-grandchild connection. I think it's a deeply important relationship to nurture. I can play a very different role in Olivia's life, for example, than can her parents, my son and daughter-in-law.
In addition, I value time spent in letting "little Sonia" come out to play. One of the ways I do that is with my grandchildren. And that one-on-one time is just the best.
Are you living out of your values? Have you thought about what they are? Do a reality check today and see how you're spending your time—and whether it's truly reflective of the values you hold dear.
If not, you know what to do. And if you'd like to work on this, please contact me for a no-obligation, complimentary strategy consultation.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Is self-care a priority?
When your life gets really chaotic, is self-care one of the first things to drop off your to-do list? Be honest now.
I confess that, as much as I’ve come to value self-care, I still allow that to happen sometimes. The to-do list is long, I am trying to meet deadlines and obligations, and I think, “Well, maybe I can just skip exercising today.” Or “Gee, maybe I don’t have time to fix that healthy salad for lunch. Let me just grab something quick from the frig.” Maybe it’s, “What? Quiet time (or time with my friend)? Wow, I have way too much to do today. I’ve got to stick to my list.”
Or here’s another reaction I’ve used sometimes: I will take that time for self-care and then I’ll feel guilty that I did. I’ll beat up on myself, thinking I should have used that time to get my work done. Do you ever do that? “Should” on yourself? “I should have done this.” “I should have done that.”
You’re worth it
Let me encourage you (and myself!) right here and now to get your priorities straight! Take that time for self-care, whatever that means for you. That may mean a spa treatment, coffee with a friend, regular exercise, a good soak in the tub, a good night’s sleep regularly, or perhaps just quiet time at the end of the day. Whatever relaxes or re-energizes you, go for it. You absolutely are worth it.
And whatever is on your to-do list, that’ll most likely get done in less time and with better spirits if you do take the time for self-care. Even if it doesn’t get done when you had hoped, no doubt it’ll be there waiting for you.
It’s so easy to put yourself last. Give your all at work. Give to your partner, kids and friends. And if there’s anything left (often, there isn’t!), you get something. What if you did what we’re told to do on flights: Put your oxygen mask on first and then help someone else put theirs on? What if you fill your cup? Maybe then you’ll have enough to share with others.
I invite you to share your best self-care tip with us. What do you keep as an absolute priority? And what does that do for you?
I confess that, as much as I’ve come to value self-care, I still allow that to happen sometimes. The to-do list is long, I am trying to meet deadlines and obligations, and I think, “Well, maybe I can just skip exercising today.” Or “Gee, maybe I don’t have time to fix that healthy salad for lunch. Let me just grab something quick from the frig.” Maybe it’s, “What? Quiet time (or time with my friend)? Wow, I have way too much to do today. I’ve got to stick to my list.”
Or here’s another reaction I’ve used sometimes: I will take that time for self-care and then I’ll feel guilty that I did. I’ll beat up on myself, thinking I should have used that time to get my work done. Do you ever do that? “Should” on yourself? “I should have done this.” “I should have done that.”
You’re worth it
Let me encourage you (and myself!) right here and now to get your priorities straight! Take that time for self-care, whatever that means for you. That may mean a spa treatment, coffee with a friend, regular exercise, a good soak in the tub, a good night’s sleep regularly, or perhaps just quiet time at the end of the day. Whatever relaxes or re-energizes you, go for it. You absolutely are worth it.
And whatever is on your to-do list, that’ll most likely get done in less time and with better spirits if you do take the time for self-care. Even if it doesn’t get done when you had hoped, no doubt it’ll be there waiting for you.
It’s so easy to put yourself last. Give your all at work. Give to your partner, kids and friends. And if there’s anything left (often, there isn’t!), you get something. What if you did what we’re told to do on flights: Put your oxygen mask on first and then help someone else put theirs on? What if you fill your cup? Maybe then you’ll have enough to share with others.
I invite you to share your best self-care tip with us. What do you keep as an absolute priority? And what does that do for you?
Monday, January 2, 2012
It’s your choice
Happy New Year! Don’t you just love opening a new calendar and seeing all the empty spaces in each month—each day beckoning with possibilities? It’s exciting to know I can fill them (or not fill them) as I choose.
Yes, we do have some “musts” that fill those spaces each month. Some of us have 9-to-5 jobs that leave only nights, weekends and vacation days with actual choice involved. We have families to tend and friendships to nurture. We have appointments and commitments to keep. However, some choice is still involved in adding things to our calendar.
How are you choosing to fill your 2012 calendar? Are you doing so with intention? Or are you simply allowing things to fill up? And how do you make your decisions?
Ask questions first
For too many years, I let my calendar fill up with little thought to what gave me life and energy. Will doing this bring more light and life into the world? Will it matter to someone’s life? To mine? Is it something that is really someone else’s task? Or is it something that is mine to do?
So many questions need to be asked before filling your days. Be clear about your goals. Get clear on your desires. Be clear about what tasks are really yours to do—and not someone else’s. Have clarity on how you want to spend your time. We each have 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We each have the same number of days in a month and 365 days in a year. No more, no less.
If you haven’t done so already, why not make a list of what you really want to do with your time. How do you want to spend your days? What are your priorities? Once you have a list of things you want to do and have prioritized it, you can make choices about filling your calendar that really feel like choices. Doesn’t that feel energizing and powerful?
Make intentional choices, starting today. You’ll be so glad you did. And I invite you to share comments with us to tell us how that works for you.
Yes, we do have some “musts” that fill those spaces each month. Some of us have 9-to-5 jobs that leave only nights, weekends and vacation days with actual choice involved. We have families to tend and friendships to nurture. We have appointments and commitments to keep. However, some choice is still involved in adding things to our calendar.
How are you choosing to fill your 2012 calendar? Are you doing so with intention? Or are you simply allowing things to fill up? And how do you make your decisions?
Ask questions first
For too many years, I let my calendar fill up with little thought to what gave me life and energy. Will doing this bring more light and life into the world? Will it matter to someone’s life? To mine? Is it something that is really someone else’s task? Or is it something that is mine to do?
So many questions need to be asked before filling your days. Be clear about your goals. Get clear on your desires. Be clear about what tasks are really yours to do—and not someone else’s. Have clarity on how you want to spend your time. We each have 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We each have the same number of days in a month and 365 days in a year. No more, no less.
If you haven’t done so already, why not make a list of what you really want to do with your time. How do you want to spend your days? What are your priorities? Once you have a list of things you want to do and have prioritized it, you can make choices about filling your calendar that really feel like choices. Doesn’t that feel energizing and powerful?
Make intentional choices, starting today. You’ll be so glad you did. And I invite you to share comments with us to tell us how that works for you.
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