Priority Refresh
“Life works only if you establish your priorities first and fit everything around them.”
—Karen Kingston
January is a natural impetus for an intermission, a refresh and reset. A chance to start anew, re-evaluate life, say goodbye to that which no longer serves a purpose, and take inventory of habits, priorities, and anything that has occupied energetic space in the prior year.
If you’ve set goals in the past that have born disappointing outcomes, it may be that the goals were out of alignment or in conflict with your values, purpose and authentic self. Random or unrealistic goals based on success defined by others or the world rarely yield positive results and tend to take on an unpleasant life of their own, becoming burdensome and often bringing demotivation and feelings of inadequacy or failure.
On a quiet Sunday morning recently, I felt inspired to try a new approach for my 2023 refresh. I wrote a list of priorities—the top five things that really mattered to me at this stage in my life. What excites me, what makes me happy, where do I want to spend my energy and resources, what might need to be released, what do I want to embrace, and why.
Being clear with my priorities has enabled me to maintain that overview more consistently day-to-day, allowing flexibility when something doesn’t quite go as planned but more importantly providing a faithful reminder of what is in alignment with my values. Making decisions about how to spend my time and being willing to say no to things that don’t honor my priorities and purpose has become a much easier process.
What are your top priorities? More clarity and joy, connection to self and spiritual path, health and well-being, financial freedom, career advancement, adventure, travel, family, friends, or a cherished relationship? As you write, jot down what first comes to mind, without judgement. You might be surprised what’s on your list when you’re finished. I was.
When we start to become more connected to our true nature, values and authentic purpose, setting priorities has a motivating and sustainable impact. And that’s where the inner magic begins—honoring our purpose one choice at a time.