“If everything is important, then nothing is.”
I have been seeing this quote a lot lately. On social media. In books. In magazines. In my coursework. But, what does it really mean? What is important now?
It means that we, as the proud multitasking humans that we are, do not know how to prioritize. To us, we have to do it all, be the total package. You know, do it all. We make to-do lists, knock things off one by one. But, why? What is really our end goal? To have a clean house, with all things in their place? Or, is it to have a successful career? Maybe it is to be the most in shape we have ever been with a killer body and a diet plan to support us. Identifying what we really want for ourselves is the key.
What is the “why” in your life?
-
- Why do we want to be fit?
- Why do we want a perfect house?
- Why do we want to be boss/own our business?
- Why are the actions we are doing now important?
Finding our “why” assists us to produce a “to do” list that makes sense. Yes, we still need to do the laundry and cook our meals and get adequate sleep. However, our other actions need to lead us to our “why” or the “win” we want in our lives?
The journey to understanding our “why,” prioritizing what is truly important to us, and not allowing the other things in life sidetrack us into achieving our ultimate goal. That means that we need to stay strong in our beliefs and wants. Getting to our “why” takes focus.
So, how can we make our “why” the most important thing?
1. Let your intentions be known.
Yes, let others know what your ultimate goal is. Is it to write a book? Is it to change your eating habits? Is it to start your own business? People will be all on board with it because they want the best for you.
However, as time slips by, you become focused and ignore them. They try to sabotage. You need to keep reminding them that this is only temporary. You have a plan. It is important for you. If it isn’t, then nothing is.
2. Make a List.
Put your “why” at the top. Next, list what you need to do to get there. What is the top priority to get you there?
It will be difficult because there are things you think you need to do, but they are just distractions. Do your research. Don’t be afraid of the hard work.
3. Ask For Help.
GASP, what? Ask for help? Yes, ask for help.
When you get people on board with your goal, you might find a better way to make it to that “why.” You can ask for help from trusted family, friends, and mentors on how best to prioritize and what paths they took to get their success.
Also, let them know that while you are reaching for your “why,” they can help by doing some simple things to free up time such as watch your children, host the family gathering, help clean, or even laundry.
4. Give it time.
Yes, time. First, you have to start the task. Forget about the deadline, make yourself start. If you don’t start, then you don’t reach the finish line, meaning the deadline is a moot point.
So give yourself time. Allow for a few hours a day to focus. Block everything out. Stop the distractions. And, give yourself more time – remember “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Neither is your end goal.
Next, decide what is the best use of your time. What is the number one thing you need to do – the most important?
Then, list down the things that you could do but wouldn’t die if they didn’t get done.
Build Your Skill in Prioritizing
When everything on your list is important, what gets done first and done well? Not much. When you give yourself the time to focus on one item, then it gets your full attention. It gets done. It gets done well. It is important. We must come to the realization that “if everything is important, then nothing is” and prioritize accordingly. Once we get to identifying that “why,” that one thing that will drive us, we can gain clarity on what exactly we should be working on.
After all, the meaning of win is “What’s Important Now!”
Just imagine how good it will feel once we get to focus on a different type of goal – the “why.” Isn’t that what is most important? Success in completing one goal, only to better ourselves with more important things that lie ahead.
What is the one thing you can win?
Do you have a winning goal that you’d like to share? Maybe it will help someone struggling to find their own win. Share it below to help cement it in your own mind and maybe give someone else some winning ideas!
What is the one thing you can win?
Do you have a winning goal that you’d like to share? Maybe it will help someone struggling to find their own win. Write it below to help cement it in your own mind and maybe give someone else some winning ideas!
