Name your top 3 - and a dare 🤗
Over two decades ago, a retreat I attended asked this question of the participants: What are your top 3 priorities in your life?
We took a quick minute and each scribbled a few things down. It probably wouldn't be memorable, except for what followed.
(Before you read on, can you tick off your top 3?)
Jeopardy theme 🎶 playing... ⏳
It was the next questions that brought the 💡 💡 💡
What are the top 3 ways you spend your time?
What are the top 3 ways you spend your money?
What are the top 3 things you think about?
You can probably imagine the insights (accompanied by chuckles and groans) that followed.
What occupies your time, spending, and thoughts?
Is it all congruent with what you listed as your top 3 priorities?
While there may have been some alignment, when it comes down to our actual areas of focus and behavior, there is often quite a bit of disconnect that seeps in.
Can you be curious and responsive to these areas of incongruence without judgment or shame?
I find myself coming back to these questions regularly in my own reflections - comparing and contrasting how the way in which I'm spending my resources matches (or doesn't!) with my priorities.
In this modern era, things move so quickly - from the umpteen text messages and notifications flashing across your screens, to the continuous breaking-your-heart news headlines, to the two dozen to-dos you wanted to check off the list before you rush out the door (or log in) to your next meeting.
It's no wonder it's hard to stay consistently centered and grounded in the priorities you value!
That said, the sooner you can recognize the deviation, the sooner you can recalibrate to move your resources back on track with what truly matters most to you.
No matter what you listed as priorities, or where you are in matching them, please believe that maintaining your own health and wellbeing is central to your impact - you simply cannot effectively and sustainably spend your time, money, energy, or thoughts on the people and causes you care most about when you are sick, burned out, or depleted from over-exertion.
In support of your well-being, here's three minutes of music and video to boost your spirit. See if you can watch without dancing - I dare you. 😜
You matter. You can make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
