P*R*I*O*R*I*T*I*E*S
By Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey

“A hundred years from now it will not matter, what size my bank account was, 
the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different
 because, I was important in the life of a child.”  Anonymous

Why is it, we wait until it too late to realize that our priorities are misplaced. We wait until our kids have grown up, without us. We wait until our spouse has had enough, and is ready to leave. We wait until our health is almost deteriorated, to the point of no return.  No one on his or her deathbed ever said, “Gee, I wish I’d spent more time at the office!”

One practical, suggestion to assist in regaining or getting effective control of your life would be being really clear on your priorities in life, family and business. Being focused on the priorities in your personal and family life makes it easier to blend them with your business, community and career priorities and demands. Far too many people have paid a price, personally too dear, for having imbalanced priorities and have lost partners and families. This, all to common, personal tragedy can be avoided! It takes discipline, but it’s worth it! Wouldn’t you agree?

Someone once told me, that to truly be effective in my life I should begin to “schedule my priorities” instead of just prioritizing my schedule, or to do lists.  This subtle change in perspective has made a major difference in my life. This subtle change can make a difference in the results you experience along with life benefits.

Knowing what your priorities are, and scheduling specific blocks of time to work on each of them each week, can free you up. Steven Covey has built a whole course and publication around this universal concept. This helps you to say “NO” to demands that don’t fall in line, or distract you from seeing them fulfilled.  You are better informed, and able to evaluate decisions, time investment, and resource allotments towards specific goals. You can be more productive, when you are working on the important projects in your career. You can be more fulfilled, when you spend time with the important people in your life.

I’d suggest taking a few moments, on a regular basis to go over your priorities. Plan to update, evaluate or sometimes, even eliminate them entirely. You’ll be glad you did! So will your friends and family. 

Plan Monthly, Schedule Weekly and LIVE DAILY. Take a moment and make a note to yourself about these various areas and your priorities in each. Then decide which one is your highest priority.  Spend time later to refine and focus your thoughts. Keep your written priorities clear, concise and focused. Then schedule your priorities first!

•	FAMILY:
•	SELF-IMPROVEMENT/CAREER ADVANCEMENT:
•	WORK/TASK:
•	SPIRITUAL/PERSONAL:
•	COMMUNITY/SPORTS/HOBBIES:

Copyright 1998-2002 Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey www.ideaman.net Bob’s Ideas At Work! have been successfully applied by 1000’s of professionals across North America. He is the author of 6 books and a contributor to consumer and trade journals.