Decisions are easy to make if you are clear on your priorities. Also, clear priorities lead to productivity. It's when people respond to the urgent more than the important that things go off track. Or, when everything is important, nothing is important. When everything is urgent, nothing is urgent. 

So do yourself a favor. Sit down in a quiet moment (even if you have to force the time) and make a clear list of the priorities for every major part of your life and for each project on which you are working. Once equipped, begin scheduling your time accordingly. When things come up, refer back to your priority list to determine if they are worthy of immediate response, delayed response, or no response. After a while, when your priorities are clear enough in your head, you will be able to handle this sorting process without referring to your list. 

Living your life by your priorities and scheduling your tasks accordingly is the launch pad for massive productivity. The compounding effect of this, over time, will blow your mind. Anything less is slovenly, and rest assured, your best competition will be the one with the clearest, most focused priorities. Don't give them a free advantage.   

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6 responses to “Priorities”

  1. Phyllis Hoff Avatar
    Phyllis Hoff

    Chris:
    Great advice.
    Thanks for your continual wisdom.
    I so appreciate it.

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  2. John Dickinson - Team One Purpose! Avatar

    Chris,
    In my continuing battle against slovenliness (I had to look that one up!), I heard at a seminar to create an Accomplished List and decided to do it.
    Since one of my personality weaknesses is following a list of items, I started keeping track of an accomplished list. I have more productive results in focusing on my priorities! While keeping track of an accomplished list, I remembered I heard somewhere to “plan your work and work your plan”. I turned my to-do list into specific times I need to do on specific days (e.g. instead of Call Bob on my to-do list, I put “Call Bob” on Wednesday 08-12-2009 at 6pm).
    I know this probably wouldn’t work for everyone, but I have learned that each individual needs to find something that works for them.
    Thanks for the priority reminder!
    John

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  3. Jon Avatar
    Jon

    This is one area I know I struggle in because of my good intentions to serve everybody. I will put this approach to work and see about getting positive compounding in my life.
    Thanks!

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  4. Georgia Avatar
    Georgia

    This is great ! I’d rather handle the important before its urgent

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  5. Arlie Brown Avatar
    Arlie Brown

    Chris, You posted this several years ago, yet I am glad you referenced in a recent Twitter post. Learning to sit down and really lay out what your priorities are is one thing. Then to go into each priority to clarify that one even further teaches every one how to really determine what are the important things in life. Thank you.

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  6. Sonyambeeler Avatar

    Just what I needed to hear today! Thank you, sir!

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