My Taste, My Priority
Priority is not merely a concept but the foundation upon which our lives are built. It represents the deliberate decision to place importance on certain things before others, signifying that which holds the highest rank in the scale of our lives. When we talk about priority, we are speaking of something that demands urgent attention, focus, and commitment. It is the first thing we think of when we rise and the last thing on our minds before we sleep.
Taste, on the other hand, is an unconditional set of preferences that shape the way we approach life. It is a reflection of our core values, desires, and inherent leanings. The two—priority and taste—are intricately woven into the fabric of our existence. Together, they dictate our choices, actions, and ultimately, our purpose.
Every individual, at some point, asks fundamental questions about life:
- What do I value most?
- What gives me true joy and fulfillment?
- What are the things that make me feel valuable, purposeful, and significant?
- What drives my actions and decisions?
- What exactly is my life built upon, and what should it be focused on?
These questions point us to one universal truth: your life is your priority, and your priorities define the essence of your life. Understanding this is crucial—without a clear scale of preference, we risk living a scattered, ineffective existence. Even the Creator, in designing the universe, demonstrated the art of prioritization, as seen in Genesis 1. In the divine order of creation, God placed things in a specific order of importance, ensuring that everything was set in motion according to a well-thought-out plan.
“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little…” (Isaiah 28:10). This divine wisdom speaks to the importance of structure, order, and prioritization in life. Without engaging these principles, we become like the proverbial "jack of all trades, master of none," spreading ourselves too thin and missing out on the mastery of what truly matters.
Prioritizing Your Life: A Framework for Living
To organize and prioritize your living, there are two essential pillars to consider:
- Your Identity
- Your Activities
Your Identity: The Core of Your Existence
Before delving into the realm of activities and tasks, it is crucial to understand who you are. Identity forms the bedrock upon which all priorities are built. Without a firm grasp on your identity, it becomes difficult to discern what is truly important to you. This is why I encourage you to revisit the topic of “Identifying Your Identity.” The deeper your understanding of who you are, the more naturally you will be able to structure your priorities around your core values and purposes.
Your Activities: The Mechanism of Living
Once you have a solid understanding of your identity, you can then look at your activities. These are the day-to-day tasks, engagements, and commitments that make up the fabric of your life. However, most people have a long list of activities, each demanding attention. Yet, in the pursuit of accomplishing all things at once, many fall into the trap of spreading themselves too thin, often losing sight of what truly matters. Therefore, a strategic approach is essential in prioritizing your activities.
How to Prioritize Your Activities
1. Make a List
The first step in prioritizing your activities is to make a list. Having a mental inventory of tasks is helpful but incomplete. To truly gain control of your time and attention, put these tasks on paper or in a digital format. This creates clarity and helps you begin to think strategically about what matters most. Remember, drafts are the blueprint of your success.
2. Identify the Urgent vs. Important
Many confuse urgency with importance, but the two are distinct. Urgency is about timing—what needs to be done now, often driven by external pressures or deadlines. Importance, however, speaks to the impact that task has on your long-term goals and values. As you assess your to-do list, separate what’s urgent from what’s truly important. Not every urgent task holds significant value in the grand scheme of your life.
3. Value: Weigh and Balance Your Tasks
Once you’ve identified the important tasks, weigh their value. Just because something is important doesn’t mean it holds equal weight in the context of your overall life goals. For instance, working late to finish a project may be important, but it could be less significant than spending quality time with loved ones. Understanding why a task is important helps you make more informed decisions on where to direct your energy and resources.
4. Trim the Fat: Eliminate the Unnecessary
One of the most vital steps in prioritizing is learning how to trim away unnecessary tasks. Many people fall victim to the "shiny object syndrome," where they chase after every opportunity, every idea, every distraction. These may seem appealing, but without prioritization, they will scatter your focus and energy. The key is to identify and eliminate activities that do not align with your core priorities, even if they seem attractive. They are often a guise for wasted time and energy.
5. Focus: The Power of Commitment
Once you’ve outlined, weighed, and trimmed your tasks, it’s time to focus. Focus is not just about paying attention—it’s about dedication. Dedication to your top priorities. Dedication to following through, regardless of distractions. Dedication to putting your best efforts into what truly matters.
The ability to focus requires determination and enthusiasm. It means committing to your goals with passion and resilience, understanding that success is a journey, not a destination. Focus means harnessing your strengths and using them strategically to achieve your desired outcomes. In this phase, it is essential to keep the following in mind:
- Dedication: Be committed to your path, even when obstacles arise.
- Determination: Push through the challenges, knowing that the reward comes through persistence.
- Enthusiasm: Stay passionate and excited about what you’re doing, as energy and motivation are contagious.
The Power of Prioritization in Practice
Prioritizing effectively leads to a more purposeful, fulfilled life. Here’s how prioritizing impacts your life:
- Track Record and Greatness: Life’s greatness is often determined by one’s track record, and a solid track record is the product of consistent, prioritized actions.
- Quality over Quantity: Quality is birthed from persistent, focused efforts. It takes time, patience, and careful attention.
- Originality: The ability to stay true to one’s priorities leads to authentic achievements and personal growth.
- Consistent Effort: Abandoned projects are the enemy of success. Persistency in action ensures that you see things through to the end, building momentum toward greatness.
The Facts of Life Sustained on Prioritization
- Greatness is not accidental—it is built upon consistent, intentional prioritization.
- Quality emerges when we put in the necessary effort over time, refusing to compromise.
- Originality is not just a desire; it’s the product of staying true to our priorities, resisting external pressures to conform.
- Failure is not fatal—it is simply a step on the path to success, and persistence allows us to learn and grow from it.
- No project completed, no legacy built—prioritization ensures that we finish what we start and leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, prioritization is not merely about managing time—it's about managing your energy, focus, and intentions toward what truly matters. It is the key to a life well-lived, marked by purpose, dedication, and fulfillment. As you define your priorities, remember: life is a series of decisions—the ones you make now will shape the life you live tomorrow.