Priorities in life are constantly fighting for their place against busyness and other non-priorities. If you feel like your life has been out of balance during 2021, then let’s look at some ways you can get it back in balance by learning how to set your priorities for the new year.
Even if you look at your existing priorities frequently, your needs and the weight you place on each priority will change as time passes. Taking a moment to reevaluate those priorities once or twice a year is the perfect time for a check-in and to make any adjustments needed.
Evaluate where you are at
Start by evaluating where you are at. This may work in connection with reflecting on 2021 as we discuss in this post. Take some time to really evaluate how you are doing in all areas of your life and decide if you are happy with each area, or if you want change or growth.
Some questions to get you started may look like:
- Look ahead to the year and identify what is happening. Do you have a major milestone or other significant events you know will happen this year? Sometimes milestone birthdays can trigger a desire for a change.
- What areas of your life feel lacking or stuck? Are there areas of your life that have not progressed as you want them to? Identify what is holding that area back or what obstacles you need to workaround.
- What areas of your life do you feel are out of balance? Are there parts of your life that just are not working for you right now? Evaluate those and see if you can determine the root cause of the imbalance.
- What areas of your life are going well or feel in balance? It is also important to identify what feels right and balanced so we don’t make any detrimental changes to those areas of your life. Make a point to celebrate or enjoy that some areas of your life are balanced or flowing! It doesn’t always happen!
Refresh yourself on your life priorities
Find your journal or notes from the last time you worked on your priorities (hint it may have been while reading this post!), and re-read them. As you go through evaluate if the priority is still valid for you based on where you are at today. Many of the ideas discussed in the previous post are still great starters for how to set your priorities in the new year.
Take some time to dream a bit about what your ideal life, in all areas, looks like. Dreaming and imagining are often some of our best indicators as to what our deepest feelings and desires are. Even if your “dream life” is out of your reach right now, see if there are some areas of that dream life that you can include in your daily life today by adjusting or refocusing your priorities.
Set your priorities for the new year
Starting with the out-of-balance areas you identified earlier, and your previous priorities, make a list of your priorities for the new year.
Remember that priorities are statements reminding yourself about specific things in your life that you highly prioritize. These are not goals or resolutions (but they can lead to setting goals). Here are some examples of priority statements that can get you started.
- Work-life balance is a priority for me and I am unhappy when my co-worker assumes I will stay late just because I don’t have kids at home. I will leave the office no later than 6 pm during the week and will work from home on weekends (only if work is required).
- My fitness is a priority for me. I will follow my workout plans/routing and only skip my gym time for plans with friends that I can’t reschedule (because I also prioritize friendships).
- Eating home-cooked, real, healthy food is a priority to me, I will only eat at a restaurant or get coffee when I am with a friend or doing it as a social activity (because I also prioritize friendships and building relationships).
Goals or New Year’s resolutions can come out of these statements. For example, the fitness priority statement from above could lead to the following goals:
- I will hire a personal trainer for 6 months to learn from and have accountability to reach my fitness goals.
- I will work out at the gym 4 days a week and do yoga at home 2 days a week.
- I will complete 1 5k run this summer.
Take some time to write down these priority statements. It doesn’t all need to be done today. Ponder them, think about what you wish your priorities looked like while you are at work, with friends, or relaxing at home. Then add or modify to your list. Often you get a random brilliant thought when you are least expecting it!
Where do you see yourself on the priorities list? It has always been difficult for me to prioritize myself and my well-being. If you are struggling or not feeling like yourself, then you need to make sure you prioritize your own wellness and downtime to prevent burnout.
This year has been incredibly difficult for almost everyone, and you are not alone in your struggles. Place yourself and your health at the top of your priorities list and make kind and gentle plans for how you will help yourself get back to who you want to be.
Once you have your priorities set for the year, post them where you can see them regularly. For me, I like to put up a list on my bathroom mirror. It is a private place where I am daily so I will be able to see them often. A list or reminder on your phone or computer is also a great place to post them!
What did you learn about your priorities for 2022 as you went through this exercise? I would love to hear about it in the comments below or over on our Instagram page!
Pin Me!
Leave a Reply