What are your priorities? You can probably easily list the top three. Great! Now how do they show up in your routine life? Does your calendar reflect those three things? A self-discipline strategist has a rude awakening for us as we drift toward complacency or distraction.
You might have more Significant things you want to be doing, but any time that you are not doing them, they are not truly your priority. (Procrastinate on Purpose, Rory Vaden, 191)
Really? He goes on to be sure we understand…
That is one of the great deceptions of this life. In our minds, we think that our priority is our family, or our priority is being successful, or our priority is our faith, but if that isn’t what we are actually doing, then it isn’t our priority!
It is SO easy to be busy without purpose. It is hard work to stay on track with what is important. Distractions abound, fires burn, and needs demand attention.
Some habits that will help:
- Take a couple minutes at the beginning of the day to look at what you have on your plate and know what is truly most important. Daily priorities make a big difference.
- Watch yourself and take deep breaths when you need to.
- Phone a friend. Outside help and a little accountability and encouragement go a long way.
- Make time to step back from the race on an occasional basis and look at the big picture carefully and prayerfully. Check your map, so to speak, and make sure you are going where you think you are going!
- Feed your soul.