Why And How To Prioritise

It is so hard to determine priorities in our lives with so many competing interests. But prioritise we must otherwise we will forever be pulled every which way. How exhausting!

Priority is defined as, “A thing that is treated as more important than others.” We have to therefore ask ourselves: What are my primary concerns? What takes precedence in my life? What is important to me? What is of value to me?

This could be in a broad sense, your:

• Spiritual growth
• Home life
• Marriage
• Me Time
• Ministry
• Finances
• Relationships
• Etc.

Once you have identified your priorities, be very deliberate about working on them. Devise purposeful and specific plan of actions that are consistent.

Put that right side of the brain to work and get real creative in your approach to ensure that you hit your target. Here are some nuggets to get your gears turning.

Finances

This year I wanted to see if I could squeeze out a little more savings. Here is the “brilliant idea” challenge I created for myself – since 2020 was the start of my “It’s Possible” journey, every JA$20 I get, I place in my little green piggy bank. 🙂 Looking forward to year end to see just how much I saved.

Hey, how about creating savings challenges for yourselves. Do share some of these challenges and let us compare notes at the end of the year! 🙂

Family

Family time is oh so important. Here are a few creative strategies:

• Have a bowl – My Activity Bowl – that all members of the family writes on a piece of paper what family activity they would like to do. Pick a night, any night and “Go Fish”. Whatever comes out, that’s that night’s get together.
• Get back in the kitchen – what is one of the family favourites? Get to it! Then enjoy together. 🙂
• How about creating an online family game and play together.

• A good ole fun games evening is always a winner.
• By any chance, do you have a projector? How about a blank wall or white sheets? Popcorn anyone? Get the idea?
• Have you ever thought of starting a Family Book Club? Get even your extended family involved. Fire up Zoom, Skype, or any other conferencing tool and have a Family Book Club meeting.
• Parents, it’s OK, you can have date nights with your child. No that is not a typo. Spend some alone time with each child (not together).
• And of course parents, book some alone time together (just the two of you). Depending on your household, you may really have to get creative. Have fun creating your day (or evening) together.

Me Time

When last have you done what you wanted to do for yourself?! Do you even remember what your favourite hobby is? Slept in lately? How about simply putting up your feet, do nothing and just sit quietly in the presence of the Lord? Rona V. you are really laying it on heavy! It’s not you my dears, I’m talking to myself.

Relationships

We cannot say that building meaningful relationships is a priority and then turn around and not spend quality time with person(s). If your life is like mine, you are busy. How do we find time for time with others? If this is truly a priority (of great importance) to you, make the time. Easier said than done Rona V.

Do you remember my plan to prioritise time with Jesus? (Go back and have a read) Well my dears, life happens and while this is still my primary focus, I had to change my practice approach.

• Commute time has now become communing time with God.
• I invited myself to a friend’s devotional time and have now made it my devotional time.
• Our local church had a month of prayer and guess who was (and continues to be) a part of this prayer vigil.

We have all heard the saying, “It takes cash to care,” and I agree. Let me however put a little twist on this, “Time spent is the demonstration of care.” This is where many of us struggle. (Talk Truth)

My dear 40-Forwarders, money is valuable but time spent with each other is priceless! (Selah)

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It’s about QUALITY time and not necessarily quantity time. So, a focused 15-minute here, a 30-minute there may not seem like much, but this can make a whole host of difference.

Life happens and priorities change. What was top of mind and high on the agenda may be shuffled. Simply regroup and refocus.

If we try to make everything and everyone a priority then “value” (significance) is lost. The importance placed on a thing is important.

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My dears, we cannot be all things to all men. Let us therefore get into the habit of extending purposed and pointed time and energy to what carries real weight in our lives. Let us practice our priorities.

Share with us some of your priorities and some of your deliberate moves.