Is Setting Priorities in Life Essential

Table of Contents My PrioritiesAbout Setting PrioritiesLesson from the Story – How Can You Set PrioritiesChanging Life Priorities Setting…
Girl shown as setting priorities of her life by pressing a button

Setting priorities in life is essential to achieve happiness. Do you agree? I know all of you agree, and most of you do set priorities in your lives, but how many of you really live them?

Sometimes our life priorities are not correct, so we find it difficult to follow them. Or, we’re not clear about our purpose in life, so we keep changing our priorities of life.

Today I want to talk about life priorities by taking my life as an example because I think I’d be able to better explain through my personal experiences.

I was aware of the importance of setting priorities in life, but honestly with time I forgot them.

I believe priorities in life are more about fulfilling your responsibilities than just doing what you want to do in life.

For me, my family always topped my priority, but ironically until now I tried to keep my work as the top priority. Sometimes I even spent more time blogging, though I enjoyed it too.

However, as a result I started to see that things weren’t working as planned because I couldn’t fulfill all my responsibilities. I guess maybe because I was spending too much time on social media.

Now, can social networking lead to problems? Not really if you’ve your life priorities set right. But then even if you set priorities, you just can’t do everything and that too up to perfection.

My work got increasingly more demanding and I compensated for it by using my time set aside for family bonding, activities, and my personal time.

Obviously, this led to life becoming more stressful, and resulted in having no time for anything else.

Have you also experienced similar phase in your life? A time when your life priorities go haywire and you start going in all directions, or move away from your top priority.

What do you do then?

You sit and analyze your life, make an honest assessment of the tasks and responsibilities at hand, set your life priorities again and make a pledge to live by them.

If you get your priorities straight, it will make your life easy and simple.

You need to keep making an assessment of your life priorities at regular intervals, because you should consciously change them to change your life for the better.

“Success is only another form of failure if we forget what our priorities should be.” ~ Harry Lloyd

My Priorities

I think I’ve been quite like a juggler as I’m a professional writer, blogger, social networker, wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, and myself.  You see I’ve got eight task balls to juggle with or roles to play.

Not only that, I’m standing with both my feet on two different cars. One represents my home that moves slow and the other stands for my work or office, which moves fast.

But it’s no big deal as I’m not the only one who shoulders such herculean responsibilities and carries out such balancing acts in life.

This is what almost every working mother does. I salute all working moms who set their life priorities right and keep up this delicate balance in life.

However, those who don’t set their priority right undergo a lot of hardships and suffer.

A working mom can’t afford to drop any of those tasks or the roles she plays, can she? And even if one of the roles she plays contradicts with the other, there’s a problem.

Especially if those two roles are related to home and work respectively, then it affects the delicate balance in the family. In such cases – some task or the other will always suffer and take a back seat.

Sometimes you need to make compromises in life, and that requires sacrifices. Then you come to know that it’s time to consciously set your priorities, again.

So, to balance out things I took a decision to lessen one of my roles significantly.

My deepest feelings and intuition to take this decision were strengthened by reading a story about setting priorities.

“It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in an activity trap, in the busy-ness of life, to work harder and harder at climbing the ladder of success only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall. It is possible to be busy – very busy – without being very effective.” ~ Stephen Covey

About Setting Priorities

I had once read a commonly circulated story, which has various versions and I’m sure most of you might’ve read them too.

So, I’d just write its essence in a few words in my way.

If you have about a dozen small rock pieces, two handfuls of pebbles, and a small bucket filled with sand, and you’ve to fill them all in a wide-mouthed mason jar – how will you do that?

What would you put in first? What do you think should be the order of things to fill in the jar?

Well, it’s quite simple. The big things come first; so the sequence would be rock pieces, pebbles, and then sand.

Yes, even if the rock pieces fill up the jar, there remains enough space through the gaps between them to allow the rest of the things to enter and settle in the jar.

But what if you try to reverse the order, will you be able to carry out the task? Well, no.

The beautiful interpretation is that the jar represents your life, the rock pieces are the important things like your family, health, partner, or your children.

These are the things that will keep your life full, even if the rest of the things are lost.

Other things are the pebbles or the things that matter like your house, job, or your car. And the sand represents everything else – the small stuff.

Here is the video of the story I took the idea from – view to understand it better.

[youtube id=”vYsVmSh4648″ width=”620″ height=”360″]

Rocks in a Jar ~ The High Calling ~ YouTube Video

“You can get control of your tasks and activities only to the degree that you stop doing some things and start spending more time on the few activities that can really make a difference in your life.” ~ Brian Tracy

Lesson from the Story – How Can You Set Priorities

You cannot ignore the aspect of setting priorities in life. Your preference of choice should be very logical, reasonable, practical, and realistic about what matters most to your life.

Set priorities as per:

  • What is important to you
  • What affects your life most
  • What will make your life easy
  • What you cannot live without.

You should know what aspect of life should get the best of your time and attention, and what should be dropped if circumstances ask you to make a choice.

It’s good to analyze life at times and simplify it by redefining and setting priorities. Make them simple, and do not have too many priorities in life so you can focus on them.

“Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.” ~ H. L. Hunt

Changing Life Priorities

For me, my family, health, partner, and my children are the rock pieces that fill up the jar of my life. They are my life priorities.

I need my writing jobs, and can afford a bit of blogging. They’re the pebbles and can easily fit in my priorities.

I realize all this fills up my life completely. If I try to stuff in more, then I might displace some of my family time, writing jobs, or will have to cut on my blog posts.

Now I understand why setting priority in life is essential. You want to keep what’s important to you, and not lose any part of it.

I found there was not much space in the jar of my life for some sand – the social networking. Though being small stuff, it took plenty of my time.

So, I made a decision to lessen my time on social networking platforms.

I changed my life priorities. A difficult decision but simple solution to my problems.

I’ve now one less task to juggle or role to play, which doesn’t make my life easy but it does give me time to attend to my top priorities in life.

“You need to make time for your family no matter what happens in your life” ~ Matthew Quick

I know it’s a big decision as it might impact my blog traffic and the number of followers and fans. But I guess I’d have to be content with what I’ve and try to give them the best I can.

So, if you don’t find me much around on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, it’s just that my priorities have changed a little now.

I am lessening on doing things that take more of my time, which can be used for bonding with my loved ones. And I feel if you were in my place, you might’ve done the same – isn’t it?

So, I will visit your blogs and comment too, but I might not do so at once. I guess I’m learning to be more professional now, and will keep a separate time for blog commenting and social networking.

“The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones.” ~ Brandon Sanderson

Sometimes it’s good that you learn the lessons of life the hard way, because you remember them. Always set priorities, follow them, do not forget them, and change them when time demands it.

This was all about my life. What about your life? What lesson do you take back?

Over to you:

Have you also had to make any decisions in life where you reorganized your life setting priorities to what matters most? Do you set priorities in life for your family or work? Which task or role would you’ve dropped for setting priorities in life if you were in my place? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

Photo CreditFreedigitalphotos

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  1. There are a lot of phases where we need to think of what and who is important for us and I think for some people that might get tough. Like, for me my family is my priority. That is just a personal choice I make and something I believe I will be comfortable with my decision irrespective of what comes along.

    I feel it just is a personal choice, what works for me might not work for the next person and there really is no right or wrong in that.

    I love the discussion happening here.

  2. I know exactly what you mean about setting priorities…too bad they don’t teach this in high school and college. As you mention the roles you play in life it reminds me of how we are splitting our time and focus and energy it’s even more important to set and keep priorities

    1. You’re right Ashley, we need to realize that everything we do does split up our time, focus, and energy. And these aspects are important to be successful and achieve our objectives. So setting priorities is imperative. Of course, this and many other life skills should be taught in school and college so people really know the right way to live.

      Thanks for stopping by and adding value to the post. 🙂

  3. Hi Harleena,

    I think this is an issue a lot of people have once they come online and start making their way so to speak.

    Now I know for growing our business social media is important but only when used the right way. You can get distracted by so many different things there and the next thing you know an hour has gone by.

    I applaud you for recognizing it and doing something about it. Most people won’t and keep on doing the same old things and end up harming their personal lives because of it.

    Bravo Harleena and your family should come first. Without them, we’re nothing!

    ~Adrienne

    1. Thanks for supporting my decision, Adrienne. It’s been a hard decision but I had to prioritize things as per my needs, responsibilities, and circumstances. As I wrote earlier somewhere, the social media is not to blame. It’s a great tool, but its use and importance differs from person to person.

      I know as a business developer social media is important to you – it’s a vital tool and you use it the right way. As for me, I’m primarily a writer and I realized should be concentrating more on completing my assignments rather try dominating the social media, simply because it’s the writing jobs that pay me. It’s not that I cannot keep up with the social networking – it’s just that presently it is not that relevant to me.

      In the bargain, I’d lose bit of blog traffic, but anyways I never started the blog with an aim to earn profits from it – I’m content if it generates enough to make up for what is spent on it.

      I believe it’s important to reassess your priorities periodically and have real priorities that provide a balance in life, and not just have them because you’re obsessed with it, or because everybody’s doing it.

      Thanks for stopping by and contributing your thoughts. 🙂

  4. Great post Harleena.

    Priorities keep us balanced. I am with you when it comes to social media. You can spend too much time on it and miss out on what is really important. After reading through the comments on your blog, it is better than a 140 word tweet. Much more information. And conversation.

    Interaction and real communication are much more important.

    As for my priorities I learned years ago to make that God first, family second and career third.

    I realize that my blog would have double the traffice if I worked it 24/7, but I refuse to give up my life. I set so many hours a day for working on my blog, but know when to walk away later in the day. After a days hard work I thank God for hubby to come home and the weekend are for fun, play and family.

    When we have priorites straight we have a balance in life and less stress.

    Thanks for the reminder.
    Debbie

    1. Glad you like the post Debbie,

      I agree with every word that you wrote. Priorities balance our life and don’t let it become stressful. I too like the blog commenting more than other social Medias because, as you say, it’s more informative, there’s a dialog and conversation that happens and there’s interaction. Now, that is more like some communication.

      Your priorities seem straight enough. Life comes before work, and family time is invaluable – that cannot be missed. I think keeping the online work and offline engagements in two water tight compartments in proper proportion or balance is good. If the online work seeps into your offline private life, you lose out on life.

      Thanks for more of your words of wisdom and for adding value to the post. 🙂

  5. Your posts are so full of value Harleena – love them. And every time I come back I can’t get over how pretty your blog is 🙂

    Thanks for all the wisdom you share…

    Martina

    1. It’s all common world wisdom that I try to bring to notice – somethings to bring us back home in this fast and furious modern world. I’m glad you enjoy your journey on my blog, Martina!

      Thanks for all the appreciation and for stopping by. 🙂

  6. Harleena,

    Wow..Again a great post from you. Thanks for sharing the wonderful video clip..!

    Just simply amazing and clear cut example to understand about priorities. This is what I love with our scientist and researchers..like anything if you wish to accomplish BIG, they can always simulate with small prototypes, real world examples and pilot projects which will produce enough real time results.!

    About the subject..Yes. I would loudly say we need to set our priorities and its is very crucial. Either your target is achievable or not, Just draw clear line about your goals and plans and go one by one.

    So I would say, defining your goals and clear destination road map is your first priority. Once if you could set your destination, the best practice to reap the success is to set the priorities. When you define your priorities, be honest with your limits and draw more attention to consider practical scenarios. That’s very important.

    Like, it could be your kids education, career focus, Business settlements, Job Promotion, Family development, Parental caring, target goals or anything. Simply, the success starts with your priority as how you define it. A person who can able to define and write their priorities distinctly, we can surely say, they already succeeded on their mission. There are enough real world people and examples.

    At practical life, Though I couldn’t meet out all my set priorities, I am keep trying and focused to accomplish it as much possible. We need lot of work shop as well.

    Thanks for sharing the terrific post Harleena.

    1. I’m glad you like this post, Manickam!

      We can take lessons from anything and everything in life, whether small or big. Every individual’s life has something to teach. There are great inspiring stories and experiments that appear works of geniuses because of their great meaning and interpretation hidden in seemingly simple and easy examples.

      Life is originally like that, simple and easy, but we make it complex and complicated – and one way to do that is not to set priorities in life.

      You’ve defined the topic more clearly – the key to success is defining your goals, making a clear destination road map, and set priorities. You also highlighted one important aspect – knowing your limits and being honest about them. Be practical and change your priorities if they do not suit you.

      Of course, sometimes we do not meet all our targets, but we can always life our spirits and be motivated by whatever we achieve. I wish you all the best in your efforts to try to accomplish yours.

      Thanks for adding to the explanation of priorities and its importance in our life and contributing to the post. 🙂

  7. How reassuring to find out that you are indeed human after all! I used to marvel at how quickly you would comment on a post or like something on FB. Thank you so much for writing this post using your own story because now I see that you struggle with the same issue that many of us do–there are only 24 hours in a day!

    Sometimes I think my tech challenges shield me because I’m not as easily caught up in all the social media. If I were more computer savvy, I might be. Even so, I found myself on blogs for hours a day–posting, reading, commenting, responding to comments. I tried to keep up with so many blogs that I had little time for other things. I got to the point, just as you say, where I had to set, or rather reset, my priorities.

    I realized for one thing that I was not spending as much time as I wanted in my “in person” life–with family, friends, activities. I was also not spending as much time as I wanted in my own spiritual practice because I was so busy writing and commenting about it!

    So I chose to back off a bit. Now, instead of checking my favorite blogs (like yours!) daily and commenting on new posts right away, I am content to check in once a week or so. I often read back over posts I’ve missed, but I usually comment only on the most recent one. I’ve also reduced my own posts from 3-4 a week to generally 2 a week.

    I think that setting your priorities also means looking realistically at your ambitions and expectations. My blog will not grow like others if I’m not using certain connections like Twitter, Google+, and so on, and if I’m not commenting more and doing other things like that. But I’ve found a pace that I’m comfortable with, and my blog will reflect that. I’m okay with that. Because in the final analysis, if I’m not living what I’m talking about, then my words are not very meaningful, to myself or to others.

    So thank you for telling some of your personal struggle with this balancing that we all engage in. Your post was very helpful to me and I’m sure to many others.

    1. Glad you could relate and resonate with the post, Galen! This is one of your longest comments on my blog so I can assume it’s struck a chord somewhere. 🙂

      Yes, you’re right, and even my husband often commented that I’m working rather like a machine – I never stopped literally! There was always something or the other to do, and still the time fell short. (I wish I were on Venus – it has pretty long days!) I always try to do well and achieve perfection in all that I do, so I can’t blame it on the social media – in fact, to be honest, I couldn’t make a balance.

      I was clueless about social networking – it’s tech and tricks until I started about two years back, but now I can easily coach someone to how to leverage the best of social media – what it requires is time, and I need that for my other important tasks too. So there comes the need of setting priorities.

      I knew many would connect with my story as it’s a common problem so many online users face with. I’d say ‘ignorance is bliss’ holds true in your case, but then like you said – it all depends on your ambitions and expectations.

      An internet or affiliate marketer cannot afford to drop the social networking task ball, and if you want referral traffic to your blog, you cannot completely ignore social media. The individual preferences and priorities differ – if my blog was the only source of earning, I’d have never taken this step.

      As of now, I’m glad to be with my family. But I’d keep the commenting bit to go on, that’s one way I still can appreciate the good work others do, though at my own pace. You’ve a good point – you need to live what you preach. And, I’m glad I’m doing that now.

      Thank you so much for sharing your life experiences and views that making me feel good that I’m not the only one who needed this balancing act. I hope this post helps other too. 🙂

  8. I love that rock jar exercise. It totally creates something that we can relate to. Put the important things first. And those important things are always changing! We have to flow with it and be flexible. But if we follow our values, it is hard to go wrong!

    1. It’s amazing how people come up with such beautiful and amazing stories, Jodi! We all can relate to them and get inspired, no matter where we live. Also there are important things as well as essential things – with help of priorities we differentiate between them.

      Yes, very true – we need to be flexible and always sniff the air to detect change, like the rats do to know if someone moved their cheese. Our values too are a template of priorities that run in the background and help us to make priorities in life.

      Thank you for stopping by and making your contribution to the post. 🙂

  9. Hi Harleena,

    A great discussion on priorities. Loving Stephen Covey’s perspectives which are always GREAT!

    As we are all unique, it is impossible that our priorities are the same. However, there are some basic ones that I believe that everyone could benefit. For example, prioritize BALANCE in life. IT is no good being extremely successful at work but a total failure at home (I mean relationships, house can be reasonably messy for me).

    Another priority is HEALTH. What good is it that we have grand plans to achieve success and/or happiness, only to find that our health is at risk due to stress, poor nutrition or other many forms of abuse?

    Thanks, Harleena, for another great post!

    Viola Tam

    1. Glad you like the post, Viola!

      Yes, Stephen Covey did observe life closely and he too had his own version of this story. Setting priorities helps when there are many important things to do, and you’re in a fix which one to do first.

      You offer one very important aspect to the topic – prioritizing balance in life. If you work too much, your home or health suffers. That’s really true and I’ve experienced that.

      Money is not the only benchmark of being successful; I hope you’ll agree to that. Cordial relations, happy family, good health are all factors that should also be among the criteria for success.

      Thank you for adding your beautiful perspectives to the post. 🙂

  10. Hi Harleena,

    Setting your priorities straight is indeed very important , and frankly that’s what will keep someone safe and sound in mind and body (mental and physical health).

    I think that nowadays it’s very easy to mix priorities up and get confused. For a lot of people even with children to raise it seems that their career is their priority, but is that the right choice, really?

    Thank you for sharing your own story and situation and how you prioritize what is most important to you. I’m sure it can help many.

    1. You’re right, Sylviane! Keeping your priorities straight gives you a sense of security and confidence – you know you’ve your life in control, there’s no confusion.

      Setting priorities is more of a dilemma for persons having a family – balancing home and work priorities is not easy. You cannot ignore your home and family and keep only career as your priority.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views. 🙂

  11. A beautiful post indeed. Yes our main priority is to embark on the journey to find our life’s purpose. This then places ‘time-management’ and ‘thought management’ in the proper perspective for us to remain focused.

    Thanks Harleena! Cheers 🙂

    1. Glad you liked the post, Dilip!

      Of course, finding the life’s purpose is the super priority. In fact, this priority should remain in the background of everything we do. You’re right, if you think from that perspective, you’ll change the way you manage your time and thoughts, because you see the bigger picture; the smaller details do not trouble you.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views. 🙂

  12. My number one and two priorities are me and feeling good. I’ve learned that if I put myself last then I won’t be of any help to others. I need to take care of myself before I take care of others. With that said, I dropped the task of being a people pleaser. This has cost me a few connections along the way, but I won’t be someone else just to please others. I won’t conform just to please others. As I become wiser, I realize that life is just too short to be a frickin’ people pleaser.

    Second, it doesn’t matter if I go to the store and the cashier is in a sour mood, I’ll still feel good. I’ll be polite and say, “Have a nice day.” Who knows? Maybe it will brighten his/her day.

    My career is a priority but then again so is having fun and enjoying life. My close family members and friends are always factored into my life. I’ll still be there for them, even when I move out-of-state. I’m just an email, phone call, plane ride, or Skype call away. 🙂

    1. Very true, Amandah! You need to take care of your own self first and bring it into a state where nothing can impact or deter it from being happy and content. It was good to read how you’d react to the cashier.

      You can’t please everyone, and you do not have to please everyone for the sake of pleasing. I agree. But then I think sometimes you please people to make them happy or if it does some good that is worth enough.

      Myself, my family, and my career – I think this order of priorities work for both of us. 🙂

      Thank you for sharing your beautiful views and adding value to the post. 🙂

  13. Hi Harleena, Wow, what a great post! I have to say, my initial thought was to fill the jar with sand first. No wonder I need this kind of help!

    You’re so right about this and I loved the video! So often we try to fill our lives with sand when we need to be filling it with the big rocks!

    My children are teenagers now and I’m realizing how little time I have left with them at home. Everything else is gravel and sand to me, but teenagers have different priorities, don’t they? They think the gravel (their friends) is the most important. That’s okay.

    I think the most important lesson is to only regard people as big rocks who think of you as a big rock. If you have a significant other who treats you like sand when you treat him as a big rock, then that is a relationship that just won’t work. Except for teenagers. They will realize you are the big rock at some point…

    1. I’m glad you like the post, Carolyn!

      I think it’s normal that most people want to deal with the small things first – I too might’ve tried first with the sand if I hadn’t read the story!

      I liked the part in the story where it says that the rocks, that is your family, completely fills up the jar of life. So, even if there’s nothing else to fill in, you still have a full life!

      I’ve seen very poor families, and they literally have nothing with them, I mean no material things and money. Still I see smiles on their faces, bonding between them, and that amazes me. When the pebbles and sand fill in the jar, they separate the rock pieces from each other – they’re no longer in view of each other. This teaches us that excess of affluence sometimes create distances and differences between the family members.

      I do not expect such deep thoughts from my kids, as probably I too never thought in that way when I was their age. They live in a different world altogether and all that they want is fun. But like you, I want to be with them as much as possible before they fly away to fulfill their ambitions.

      You’re right – it’s no use to be with somebody who doesn’t value you, and kids will realize when they see the big picture on growing up, like it happened with us.

      Thank you for sharing your views, thoughts and for adding value to the post. 🙂

  14. This is a very interesting blog post Harleena. I love this topic, and I will never get tired of it. I’m thinking about this almost on a daily basis. I’m always trying my best to set the right priorities in life, and I know that my family comes first. But, what I’m dealing with mostly is the details. I believe I have the big priorities set, but it’s the small details, like how to focus on the right things to do for my kids and for my wife, and how much time to spend with one of my kids over the others. I want to be there for everyone, but it’s hard to be there 100% for everybody all the time 🙂

    1. Glad you like the post, Jens!

      Once you’ve got the rocks and the pebbles set in, the sand will find its place on its own. Of course you cannot wholly be with everybody all the time. It’s a good thought and concern that you’ve, but you need to be realistic and practical as you do with your work – or maybe you need to take out more time for your family – this is what I did when I felt I’m not able to give enough time to my kids and family. I’m sure you’ll come out with a balanced solution.

      Thank you for sharing your views and thoughts and contributing to the post. 🙂

  15. Hi Harleena

    This post is the need of the hour for me. I have been struggling to maintain the work life balance since February. When I was in job I use to enjoy my job as well as give adequate time to family. But since the time I started the company I have been all over the place.I really at times feel, whether quitting job was the right decision or not.

    But actually reason is passion really drives me crazy and I overdo things. Whenever I am working with the clients I try to deliver them more and this leads to putting more time and effort, which really comes at a cost.

    Family will always remain the top priority and all eight roles are really very important, but at times one or more ball remain in the hand or in the air for much longer time, NEED to set that right.

    Wishing you luck for living up to your priorities.

    Thanks for your support.

    Sapna

    1. I’m glad this post could help you in some way, Sapna!

      I agree that there’s a world of difference between being a salaried employee and self-employed. Your responsibilities and worries do increase when you initially set up your business, and you need to keep patience and endure those trying times. I’ve had this similar experience earlier, and living the life of a freelancer is not much different too.

      It’s good to be passionate in your work or job, but you need to be wise and control your urge to do more than required or asked; however, this depends on the kind of job and the client.

      On the other hand, whatever time and effort you put in now, will pay you later. Having the family as your priority gives you a support system that helps you keep going. If you really try hard, you can become a good juggler! (of tasks!!):) All the best to you.!

      Thank you for sharing your priorities and contributing to the post. 🙂

  16. Hi Harleena,

    First of all, very nice topic Harleena, and very nicely you shared your view on the topic.
    Priority in life and me have strong connection. When i was a teenager in my 16 or 17, my many friends were elder to me. So many times they discussed on priority in life,this is my priority, that is my priority, and i use to stand still because i was not able to make out what exactly setting a priority in life is and why so important to discuss on it.

    Recently, after many years after changing my place with new friends again topic of priority is discussed and this time i have something to discuss as i am mature now, and many responsibilities, expectations are on my shoulders.

    i want to share when i set my priorities, i am theater actor/model in India. My passion is glamour industry only, i am a good singer – done some shows also, i am an engineer,lol i don’t want to open my list of work but yes i was all good on above work. But thing is i never focused on 1 thing, than after my engineering my parents started pressurizing me to do something which gives you constant income. Making story short, with pressure and responsibilities makes me set my priorities. My priorities are like first to earn money, which is very important from all the sides. i have started internet marketing company with blogging and i decided to earn and earn till next five years than i have to get into my passion that is acting.Than other things.

    So i conclude here that a person starts to set his/her priority in life when he/she have some responsibilities and expectation on the shoulders as you mentioned it in your post also.

    And if the person want something in life than setting priority is must as i believe.

    Thank You
    Shorya Bist

    1. Glad you could connect with the post, Shorya!

      Nice to know your thoughts and views about your life priorities. We sure do learn about the importance of making priorities with time as we grow. I think you’re being quite sensible to stand on your feet and become financially independent. Having said that, you should also not let your passion die. A time will come when you’ll want to settle and focus only on a few priorities.

      You’re right, responsibilities bring the manager out of you, and you learn to set your priorities and live them too. I’m glad you acknowledge the importance of setting priority in life; it’ll surely do you good.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story. 🙂

  17. Hi Harleena,

    I get it totally and I was wondering why you were missing last few days too. I thought you might have some family time 🙂

    Glad you embedded video with the story, that’s really nice 🙂

    Well, I can totally relate to that dear. I was always believed in setting priorities but, as you mentioned, what matters is can we do ’em exactly 🙂 For me, I do set priorities, but I have priorities in priorities too dear. I don’t think we can follow the same plan everyday. Risk is always involved and changes can happen all the time with no prior notice. So I make sure I did my most wanted stuff and if I could save some time I do what I have for other days too. Most importantly, I don’t devote my all hours for that. Sometimes I sacrifice my sleeping time though 🙂

    Last week I’ve got a design project and I was so busy. I had some work at home too. No time to check out favorite blogs or interact with others on Social Media. But I was happy that I had priorities and listed ’em, so I could catch up ’em in next few days. I always see the advantages through application rather than babbling or bragging about things 🙂

    Well, there’s something I don’t like applying myself dear 🙂 Allocating a time slot for social media and blog commenting. I know it’s perfectly alright, but what if you had to deal with other most important thing on that period or if you not feel like doing it that time? It happened to me, so I take the extra time I save on days to engage with it and to be on Social Media. Well, I have more extra time though 😉 I’ve always rewarded for that when I get busy with work 🙂 And I know you are busy than me as a mother and need focus all the time, but predicting and analyzing risk it always better 🙂

    However, before setting up priorities, what matters is identifying your strengths and weaknesses, right? 😉

    Hope you will have all the strength to stick with all as you planned and prioritized dear…

    Have a Wonderful Weekend ahead 😉

    Cheers…

    1. Yes, Mayura, I did have a great family time when my father visited us, and I guess that break worked its magic on me, and I wanted to be more with my family. I’m quite here on the blogosphere, but I’m loving being recharged in the family atmosphere. 🙂

      It’s a wonderful story – the rock jar one – and whoever made it must’ve gone through a lot and observed that people make the similar mistakes. Priorities are meant to be remembered; they needn’t be like the New Year resolutions that vanish as soon as the New Year hangover sizzles down.

      Having too many priorities in life also make things difficult. Priorities should change if the situation and circumstances demand so, but if they keep changing on a daily basis; they would leave you confused and frustrated, isn’t it?

      You’re right – anything can happen at any time, but even then we keep our priorities, and have plan B’s ready. I think you manage it right in that you do prioritize your essential tasks. Sometimes you do need to sacrifice your sleep, though I advice not to do that frequent. Glad to know that you’re working well with your priorities.

      I too have now learned that I should allocate a time slot for social media and blog commenting. They sure are addictive and take a lot of time if you want perfection in your work. If we want to be professionals, we need to create a routine and discipline, and abide by our schedule just as we do with our client’s assignment last dates as freelancers. But I agree, not everything goes by the book, and that’s okay if it happens occasionally.

      It’s good that you’re able to manage your time so you’re even left with extra time that you can use up for emergencies and leftover jobs. Of course, you should know your strengths and weaknesses, and your working nature, style, and timings too.

      Thanks for sharing your life experiences and contributing to the post. Have a great weekend yourself! 🙂

  18. Harleena, the timing of this post is very appropriate. Just today I was having a conversation with someone about social networking – how much is too much etc. I believe it is totally up to each person to choose their ‘rocks’ – and it’s but natural that we put family first.
    I’m sure that your blog traffic will not reduce because your thoughtful writing and selective networking go a long way in making your blog special.

    1. You’re quite right, Corinne! The metaphors rock, pebbles, and sand could be interpreted differently and the whole issue of priorities in life is a subjective one. It differs from person to person.

      Something that works or not works for me may not be the case with someone other. But generally, the big rocks are taken for as the family, because they are the ones who matter the most for most of the people.

      I loved social networking and I was getting good at it too. But I had to weigh the aspects of input and output, and realized it’s not worth spending my personal and family time on it because I as it is have a busy life. On the contrary, I know some people who manage it all smoothly.

      Thanks for the kind words and the support. I’m not going to vanish from the social arena, but yes, I may not be that frequent and spontaneous.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

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