Many are women in transition. They are often experiencing a major change either at home or at work and can lose focus on life priorities.
I know many of you have heard of a bucket list and that is one of the activities that I recommend that you create. Not that I am looking for you to accomplish all of your life aspirations at once, but over time, what would you like to experience, do, create or complete before saying goodbye to Mother Earth?
Here are three questions to ask yourself to make certain that important life priorities do not fall through the cracks.
1. Am I investing in the right activities for this chapter of my life?
A lifetime consists of many chapters. Think about what life chapter you are currently experiencing. Maybe you are making a career change, embarking on a change in family status, sending kids off to college. Whatever your current situation, take a look at the way you are spending your time and the activities in which you are engaged.
Maybe some of the volunteer activities have seen their usefulness and it’s time to move on. Or maybe you have time with an empty nest to start a new volunteer activity. Maybe it makes sense to learn a new skill so that you can be more competitive for a job promotion.
Complete an inventory that charts how you are spending you time over the duration of a week to determine whether you are focusing on certain areas of your life at the expense of others. You can analyze whether you are neglecting your health at the expense of your career. Or maybe you are not carving out enough time for recreation or time with family and friends. Regardless, it is useful to step back and assess whether you are investing in the activities that align with and positively contribute to this unique chapter of your life.
2. Am I using my energy wisely?
It is much more beneficial and productive to spend your energy on a few focused projects rather than on many activities. If you try to accomplish too many things at the same time, you are likely to complete them in a mediocre fashion rather than performing a few tasks in a stellar fashion. It is much better to focus on a few activities and do them well.
Also watch how you engage your time so that after expending a lot of mental, physical or emotional energy, you give yourself the opportunity to replenish your energy levels. Pace yourself. Start to notice what activities are zapping your energy.
3. Am I using my trade-offs wisely. Is this the problem that I choose to solve?
Everyone has challenges in their lives. But sometimes it is worth asking if this challenge you are delving into is the best return on your time and energy investments. Are you sacrificing a better use of your time by attending to this problem, crisis, or dilemma? What trade-offs are you making by focusing on solving this challenge?
Don’t take on tasks because you think no one else can handle it. You have a choice and should spend your time wisely. Time is a commodity that once gone cannot be replenished. Be prudent with your use of time. Don’t neglect life priorities. You’re worth the effort.
Ann Gatty
Dr. Ann Gatty is a business development strategist with 30 years’ experience, who believes that everyone has the capabilities to get where they want to go if they are enabled with the right strategies and tools. As a business consultant she builds businesses to work brilliantly. She is the co-founder of StrategicPeopleSolutions.com, an organization that helps businesses develop strong leaders while creating a culture where self-improvement is an intrinsic part of the organization’s value system. Ann works with clients to develop a strategic path towards the life they’ve always imagined. Ann can be reached at 855-284-4448 or [email protected].
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