Learning to Set Your Priorities
In today’s world of piling too much on to your plate, saying yes to commitments you know you may not have time for and scrolling the glossy social media feeds of everyone’s “highlight reel”, it’s easy to get caught up feeling like you’re not doing enough. I bet, even when you have a hundred things on your to do list, you often say “yes” to a request based on a feeling of obligation – but you need to address that saying “yes” to something, may mean saying “NO” to yourself and your priorities.
From work and family to social life and health; you’ll be faced with this subconscious pressure to do everything, every day, but what if you gave yourself permission to do less? Here are a few tips to set you on the path of prioritizing YOUR needs;
- Set Your Non-Negotiables. Are you looking to get in shape in 2022? If so, this will require you prioritizing your workout or movement over other tasks on your to do list. Establish the 1-3 items that you need to complete in a day, versus trying to do everything on your list. I find it helpful to prioritize based off of importance/due date.
- Use a Calendar System. It sounds really simple, but by setting your priorities in your calendar (and respecting them like actual appointments) you are able to fit what really matters to you into each day. Don’t forget to schedule things like your daily movement, self-care time, and even time blocks that are free time for you to do what YOU want to do. You determine your priorities, so use your time in a way that supports your well-being mentally, emotionally and physically.
- Review and Pivot. Take the time each month to review your priorities and pivot your plan to ensure you see the outcomes you want. If your priority is to fuel your body with nutritious food, ensure you have blocked time in your week to grocery shop and cook. If your goal is to organize your space to promote better mental health, be sure to have time set aside for the project and the supplies on hand to complete the job. If your goal is to workout 3 times per week, schedule them in the calendar and experiment with the best time of the day, days of the week and style of workouts you’re doing.
Break the cycle of always doing more and start focusing on the things that will positively impact your life. If you need some support in getting started with your Priorities Plan, I’d love to help with a complimentary discovery call. Connect with me and I can give you some tips and tricks for optimizing your priority list to truly live your healthiest, most authentic, and happiest life!
Lindsay Anderson
Health Coach & Personal Trainer
250-833-2216