2.8 Prepare for Action Set Real Priorities

Would you like a simple definition of priorities? Here it is: The things that matter most. That may be far too simple a definition for a time management expert, but many books, blogs, songs and poems use that definition.

“First Things First” is a book about separating the urgent from the important written by Steven R. Covey. Charles Krauthammer wrote a New York Times best-selling book titled, “Things That Matter.” My favorite author, John C. Maxwell, wrote a great book on time management titled, “Today Matters.” Barbra Streisand sings, “It’s not how many summer times we had to give to fall, The early morning smiles we tearfully recall, What matters most is that we loved at all.”

All point out what you and I know to be true – we focus far too much of our time, talent and treasure on things that matter very little and so get very little out of life.

So I must ask you: What are your top priorities? How do you define a successful, meaningful life for yourself? What matters most to you?
Struggle with an answer? Let me help you. Your top priority for the rest of your life is to do that which no one else on earth has been so perfectly designed, uniquely gifted and divinely appointed to do.

“But what is that?” you wonder. “What am I divinely appointed to do?” Your answer is within you but it is hard to define because of the overwhelming number of everyday urgencies.

You have two kinds of priorities: Those shouted at you by the culture and those whispered in your soul by that “still small voice.”

Have you noticed that the noisy culture around you easily and frequently distracts you from the things that matter most? Your parents tell “You ought to do this!” A teacher tells you “You’re not capable of doing _______.” Your friends think you should go here or there or do this or that and in the process you no longer hear (or perhaps you have never heard) that “still small voice” whispering your destiny.

If you do not know, if you have never heard, if you have never explored the ultimate “why” of your life, you will wander aimlessly, achieve little, and live beneath your potential. Why? Because you will not know what matters most.

Now, let us assume you have discovered your purpose for living or are pursuing with vigor your destiny. How do you set your priorities? The poets and the authors have it right: Always ask, what matters most then do that.

Not, what is the most urgent? Not, what do other people think you should do. Not, If you don’t do this or that what will happen? No. Ask, what matters most and do that.

Do that and your productivity will soar, your attitudes will change, your time will not be spent but invested, your relationships will blossom, your fears will fade away, and joy will fill your heart.

Hear and heed that “still small voice” whispering, “This is why you are here. This is who you are. This is your priority.”