Priority Is Not A Plural Noun

Listen, I get it. At the end of the year, we get so caught up with “priorities” and responsibilities that the holiday season brings… on top of our regular day-to-day tasks. Our growing to-do lists make us feel certifiably insane. Amirite? 

Our engines are revving so loudly that we just keep nodding and smiling through the deafening sound of our own busy-ness! Gross!

So, turn down the volume and give yourself permission to read some encouragement here and just breathe.

First, I want you to remember how incredible of a life you’ve had so far. I know its not perfect, and neither is mine! You’re here though, you’ve made it this far. That deserves some recognition. 

I know it’s hard to remember the plot to these life stories we’re writing when we racing against deadlines and stress. Our growing list of priorities can often feel like we’re getting ourselves off course, but ultimately it’s just part of the story. We take sharp turns, write extra long chapters that we wish could be shorter, update our cast of characters… and turn them into a powerful story. The story of you.

Your work matters, but so do you. 

All of the moments you feel you’re overworked. Waking up earlier than you want to. Working late into the night. You’re making something great. We all see it! The people who love you know it and are impacted greatly by you. Don’t forget that.

Here’s something relieving: priority was never supposed to be a plural noun. It’s perfectly acceptable to focus on one thing at a time. All that juggling you’re doing is super impressive, but remember that you should focus on one thing at a time. I’m guilty of the “priority” list getting way too long, so I get it! But we aren’t called to bury ourselves under the weight of a million priorities.

Just breathe.

Remind yourself that the world isn’t going to stop spinning if you allow yourself to narrow your focus. Trust me, you’ll be more productive and accomplish even more than you thought you could, you powerhouse you.

Take a big, deep breath. Go on, do it. And then create a rhythm for whatever you’ve got on the schedule today that gives you time to breathe, move, and enjoy the story you’re writing. You deserve to enjoy it!

As the year comes to a close, start thinking about how you want to start the new year. What’s the next chapter of your story?