If you’re anything like me, the start of a new year is filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, the promise of newness and the expectations for growth are inspiring. On the other hand, there is a tension of disappointment over missed opportunities and unmet hopes from the year previous. This cycle can leave some of us feeling unsure about the present and the future. Will I accomplish all that I set out to do? Typically, the answer is no. So we can find ourselves stuck in the tension of trying to balance all the competing expectations, hopes and dreams, both within ourselves but also from those around us.
In other words, what do you grab ahold of when you want more than you can carry? Below, I describe a six minute exercise each of us can perform to create clarity of focus and direction.
Passion - First, start a timer for two minutes and write down your love-to’s. In other words, what are you passionate about? What is exciting you in this season? What might God be inviting you into at this time of your life? Don’t overthink it. Write.
Priorities - Secondly, start a timer for two minutes and begin to set your priorities. I’m amazed at how difficult it is for many of us to answer the question, “what do you want?” So we begin by writing. I most likely can’t do everything I want but I can do something. Write down what it is that you most want. Try to narrow it down to your top three priorities in order of importance.
Productive Action - Lastly, spend two minutes writing about productive action. What is one thing you are going to do this next week to move closer towards your passions and top priorities? Hope is not a plan. The change we hope for occurs when we take baby steps of productive action.
The aim isn’t to do more but to do what matters most. The reality is we cannot balance everything equally in life. Instead of focusing on balance, focus instead on your passion, priorities and productive action. Less is more. By doing what matters most you will grow in the areas of most importance. Today, take six minutes and begin to clarify your life. Trust me, it will bring you peace of mind.
