Remembering Your Priorities

“Action expresses priorities.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

It’s so easy to get so immersed in the details of life that you could forget to spend your time and energy on the important things instead of just the urgent ones. Over the years, my blog Happy Little Homemaker has evolved into being defined by what are many women’s biggest priorities – God, self care, spouse, hubby and homemaking/providing.  Still, writing about it doesn’t necessarily translate into action. Unfortunately.

Remembering Your Priorities:

1. Keep them in the forefront-

What HAS helped me, because I am a voracious reader, is to read a book about one of my priorities each day even if its only 10-15 minutes. And then act on something you learned OR related to that area.

For example, each Sunday, we go to Mass. I try to prepare in advance and read the readings. When we get back I have a few projects related to becoming closer to God that I could work on — study of the catechism, a bible study or other spiritual reading.

If reading books is not your thing, think about how you learn best and then find something that fits. If you are an auditory learner, Cindy Rushton has an audio series called Marriage Flight Plan that is totally manageable AND affordable. Audio books could be a great option, too.

If you are more visual/tactile, try Pinterest for great articles and DIY  projects related to your priority.

2. Create a plan-

I don’t know about you, but while I like to THINK I can multi-task, I really concentrate best on one thing at a time. Once you’ve determined what your priorities are and what tools to use to keep them at the forefront, schedule them into your life.

Barring kids getting sick or anything unusual, I always have time to work on projects after the kids are in bed. In theory, I read about God daily, but I especially try to concentrate on it Sunday.  Monday, I read about hubby/marriage. Tuesday, I think about taking care of myself — things like exercise, diet, health, etc. Days where I work are kind of blow off days. The other two days are devoted to my kiddos — planning fun activities, learning about parenting and homeschool prep — and being a better homemaker which could be budgeting, research on cleaning a particular thing, or rethinking our routines.

If you are great a having daily time with God, you might try concentrating on an area each week. Since we are dealing with fluid priorities, schedule out some to-do’s over the next few weeks so it doesn’t slide off your radar. I am SO guilty of that.

 

Even when life is extra busy (like when there is a new baby!), it helps to have a plan. That way, when you find the rare opportunity, you can spend it doing something that makes you feel like you accomplished something that day!

How do you keep your priorities from being buried under the laundry?