It’s that time of year again. Fat, drunk and broke. Perfect time to set a resolution you won’t keep. Been there done that. Let’s be honest, our intentions are good buuuut what is the likelihood of accomplishing them? I mean- kudos to you if you are in the less than 10% of the population that is successful. Why not try a different approach this year?
Priorities. You’re busy with kids, work, school, church, gym, housework, hobbies etc. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with so much to do and not enough time in a day. What is a priority anyway? The Oxford Dictionary defines it as, “the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important”. We all have obligations and people competing for our time. You’re probably saying, ok but these are not going away so where ya going with this?
Let me ask you-where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? What if I asked you to envision what life would be like in 3-5 years if you were living your best life? What dreams do you have? What do you want out of life? What’s important to you? These are deep questions and they take time to process. Ever heard the saying, “life is what you make it”? What life do you want?
Well, this turned awfully serious fast-let’s turn it back around. This year could be different and I’m going to tell you how. Skip the resolutions. Re-prioritize your life. Let me break it down. I call it the Big 3 Priorities or the Big 3 P’s. Life is not black and white and most of the things we invest our time, energy and money in could be divided into categories. Take a look at my Big 3 P’s Plan.
First-look at what are you investing your time, energy and money in? Make a list. Is it family, shopping, education, food, church, volunteering, your house and yard, vacations, entertainment etc.
Second- what do you want life to look like next year? What life changes would you like to see? Do you want to spend more quality time with your family, get out of debt, be healthier etc. Yupp you guessed it, another list.
Third-compare the two lists side by side. What do you notice? What are you doing that you are already succeeding at? What things could you be investing your valuable time, energy and money into that would better benefit you? Select the 3 top priorities for this coming year.
We all have obligations. That’s life. I am not saying to just go all rogue on your responsibilities. However, we do have free will and the ability to use one simple word. I’m taking about the word NO. That’s right…you “yes” folks, I am talking to you. Learning to use the word NO is life changing! Try it and find out for yourself. I heard a saying recently, “whatever you are saying YES to, means you are saying NO to something else”. Man, that hit me even though I already knew that. You only have so much time, energy and money. If you say yes to everything then you are saying no to the changes you want to make in your life.
“Whatever you are saying YES to,
means you are saying NO to something else”
Fourth-this is the hard part. The follow through. Say YES to your TOP 3 PRIORITIES. What does that look like? Let’s use a few things I listed above. Let’s say our Big 3 P’s are quality time with family, lower debt and be healthier. You say NO to anything that doesn’t support these priorities. It sounds harsh. I know,but saying no to everything else let’s you say yes to the life you envision!
Let’s say you have the option to work an extra shift or meet your friends at the bar. If one of your Big 3 P’s is lowering debt then you would opt for the extra shift. Another example is if your friend invites you to a new exercise class and you were planning to clean the house that day. You would choose to go to the class. Both are important however that class supports your higher priority. A clean house is still a priority, it’s just a little lower on the list.
Like I said earlier, we have busy lives with families, work, school, church, social life etc. Have you ever heard the term, Values Conflict? That means you want two things that are equally valuable to you such as spending time with friends and going to the gym. You want to go out with your friends AND you want to find time to go to the gym. Both are important. Plan around you top 3 priorities. If you have a choice between two things, choose to invest in the one that supports the future lifestyle you want. It can be difficult when two things are in your top 3 and that’s ok. If you keep your vision alive throughout the year of what you are working towards, you will be successful. You can always re-prioritize as you meet the expectations you have for your life.
I hate the saying “New Year, New You”. Yes, it’s a new beginning of sorts. A clean slate. Resolutions are great IF you can hold yourself accountable. You will always have priorities whether you acknowledge what they are or not. Start the new year creating a better version of yourself and a life you are dreaming of.
My Big 3 p’s this past year were work, education and my yard. I supported those priorities and my vision for my life by saying yes to anything that fell into those categories. I came out in top. It’s been a busy year. I landed my dream job, started my own business, earned certifications in Holistic Nutrition and Health and Wellness Coaching and am in the home stretch of my Personal training Certification. Also got a ton of yard projects completed including a Zen Den, pond and garden.
This meant saying no to some social events, spending money instead of getting out of debt, less gym time, less sleep some nights etc. As I’m sure you are aware, you can’t have it all. I know from personal experience that trying to have it all helps you succeeded at nothing.
I am currently working on my Big 3 P’s for 2024. Cheers to tossing New Year’s Resolutions and Hello to intentional decisions and goals that support your vision!
