Why Our Priorities Matter
If you’re anything like the rest of us, you’ve noticed that your life is directed more by the relentless ticking of a clock than by the wisdom of a compass. Think of the “clock” as that invisible guide that dictates our “doing” nature in every waking moment, like an overzealous personal assistant who insists on reminding us about every mundane task. We’re so hooked on this ticking tyrant that when we’re in “clock mode,” it feels like nothing else exists; it’s always about “do, do, do…”
When I say “compass,” I’m talking about the long view—the broader vision and intentions that originate and live in our “being” nature; it’s always about “be, be, be…” It’s where our big dreams and aspirations go to gestate only to be given birth at a later time. The challenge is that it’s easy to get wrapped up in the high drama of daily life doing, constantly extinguishing metaphorical fires, and, in the confusion, forget all about our life’s true direction and what’s important. It’s like we’ve got our internal GPS set to “Chaos Mode.” This is why taking a moment to reassess our priorities should be, well, a priority.
Here’s today’s million-dollar question:
Are you pursuing your grand vision, or has the whirlwind of minutiae swept you off course? Is your life driven by the clock or the compass—or have you found balance between them? Don’t fret; the answer lies in your heart. Tune in, and you’ll know in a heartbeat.
Granted, the dramas of the moment can feel as urgent as a cat on a hot tin roof, but often it’s our own mind that has blown things out of proportion. This issue is acute for those of us who are busy building empires or at least trying to keep our career ships afloat. We live in a linear world, where we prioritize actions over essence. That’s when “doing” becomes more important than “being.” Maybe that’s thanks to an ego that insists we’re irreplaceable or that no one else can handle whatever crisis has popped up as well as we can—which is seldom the case.
Here’s a simple way to assess if the current issue is a priority: Give it the 10-year test.
Ask yourself, “Ten years from now, will this moment actually matter to me?” The answer is most often “no.” This clarity often brings a renewed awareness of what (or who) is crucially important. For most of us, it’s our relationships, from the one we have with ourselves and whatever Higher Power we subscribe to, to the ones with family, friends, coworkers, and even that random person we wave at while jogging. Without these connections, life loses its direction and purpose—it would be akin to a chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate chips—lacking the sweetness in what constitutes a life worth living.
THE TAKE AWAY: At the end of our Earthly escapade, where will our compass have led us? Today might just be the perfect day to check our compass, and if necessary, set a fresh course. Take a breather; put the clock on pause for a beat and, if appropriate, reshuffle those priorities. Because if we don’t, we might arrive at our final destination alone, which is a bit like throwing a party and forgetting to invite guests. Life’s journey isn’t meant to be traveled alone. Work at putting the compass before the clock and commit to following its guidance. When we do, we’ll find our True North.
