P is for Priorities

What are your priorities?  For many of us, that’s a simple question that we can give a quick answer to. For others, it’s a loaded question because it comes with the instant self-reflection of where we’re spending our time. Do your actions reflect your true priorities?  Or do they indicate a disconnect between what you think you value with what you actually value?

Dedicate Time to Your Priorities

A good way to determine your priorities is to examine where you’re spending your time. If you say your priority is your family, but you spend your time watching shows on your phone, then your stated priority and actual priority are at odds. If your priority is switching careers, but you’re not taking time to network or obtain the applicable education, then you know you need to adjust.

Dedicating time to our priorities sounds like common sense. However, it’s easy to make a goal and let menial tasks get in the way. So let this be a (gentle) reminder to schedule time for what is important to you.

Follow the Money to Determine Your Priorities

Luke 12:34 says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.” If you suspect that the things you claim are your priorities aren’t getting the attention they deserve, then ask yourself where most of your money goes.

Using the example of switching careers, how could your spending habits reveal your priorities?  If you’re spending some money on furthering your education, or professional resume help, for example, then your money lines up with your priorities. On the other hand, if you aren’t setting aside any of your income to reach your goals, maybe it’s time to reassess things.

What Should My Priorities Be?

That’s a question only you can answer. However, if you’re having trouble lining up your priorities, ask yourself these questions:

1. Where do I want to be in one, five, or ten years?
2. What areas of my life do I want to change?
3. What are the most important things in my life?
4. How can my time and money habits reflect my answers to questions 1-3?

Prioritize Your Priorities

Now that you’ve determined what’s important to you, it’s time to take some action. Be deliberate with your schedule and budget. Take some time to visualize the life you want to create for yourself. Pray about it. And most importantly, get after it!

About the Author

Melanie Lemus is the Communications Specialist for Vision to Purpose providing self-help, business, and career-focused topics. She lives in Virginia with her wonderful husband and witty daughter. Melanie loves her freedom – in Christ and America. She’s passionate about natural health and homeopathy, and she’s always down to take a hike through the mountains.

About Vision to Purpose

Vision to Purpose is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses succeed by offering tailored career, life, and business solutions, specializing in military transitions. We also help writers become published authors!

Need a resume writer? How about a writing coach? Perhaps a business consultant? Look no further; Dr. Bennett and the Vision to Purpose team can help! You can learn more about Vision to Purpose by visiting www.visiontopurpose.com.