Purpose Beyond Priorities
Jason February 4th, 2007
It’s been over a month since my last post, which clearly indicates that this fellow is certainly not in the running for “most prolific blogger.” The good news is, the fact that it has been so long gives me a good point to discuss: Priorities.Blogging is something I do to share, and something I find interesting. It forces me to sharpen my perspective, while offering the opportunity to share those ideas with others. You see, when I did the previous posts I really looked hard at my personal purpose and goal lists, and “blog” was no where on there.
For me, blogging isn’t so much about density as it is about quality. As such, I’m extremely selective in which blogs, forums, etc. that I keep up with. While I’ve recently begun Paul Schele’s “Photoreading” course (amazing stuff - try it before you disregard it as nonsense), I’m currently a relatively slow reader. This means reading takes time, and lots of it. For me, reading is a priority, so I make time for it. But, it has to fit in with everything else, in proper proportion and balance.
Sometimes, I think personal development buffs allow themselves to get so focused on the preparation of personal development that they never actually implement any of the concepts, techniques, or other “stuff” that we learned. Personal development and blogging have both become very valuable industries to those who ultimately put the book down and apply what they learn to their own ventures. Let’s not allow ourselves to get so caught up in activity and “staying busy” that we forget about purpose.
I see people daily who are very busy going as fast as they can to no place in particular. You know the ones I mean. These folks forgot to review their purpose or goal list that morning. They’re involved in every activity, extra-curricular, club, social organization… you name it, under the sun, which is great. I’m a big believer in being involved with your community, church, family, schools, and so on. But there comes a point where, in trying to give 100% to everything, we can give 100% to nothing. We all can grow and stretch to do more, but we all need to know our current limits, too. It’s that balance thing again. Being a leader isn’t about being the leader in everything. It’s about being a leader in the things that are most important to you and your purpose. Besides, maybe the leadership role in that 4th or 5th volunteer association you’re a member of is the perfect training ground for a new, up and coming community leader. Give them that chance.
So, identify what your main purpose and/or goals are. Break it down… over the course of your life, in the next 20 years, next 10 years, next 5 years, next year, next month, next week, tomorrow. Use some of the techniques from my previous post. This may sound intimidating, and it should. It’s probably one of the most challenging things you’re going to do… determining what the heck you really want to do with your life. Just remember, you’re not locked in here on the super-long-term things… these can and will evolve.
The point is:
• Get focused on something.
• Determine the action steps required.
• Do them.
No magic formula here. This is what it takes, day by day. And doing it day by day is the secret. It’s been said the secret to your success is hidden in your daily routine. Whoever said that wasn’t lying. What’s your daily routine? How much of that activity is truly in line with your goals, outlined above? When you get honest about that, if you’re feeling a bit stunned, embarrassed, silly, or what-have-you… Remember:
It’s okay.
You’re not alone.
Now, fix it.