Chances are you have heard the saying – Focus on the Important more than the Urgent. And the chances are you sometimes struggle with living that philosophy.

No dramas. Because you are not alone.

I think most people struggle, to varying degrees, with separating the Urgent from the Important.

But for the sake of this article, let’s say you have.

You are the King /Queen of sticking to the important aspects of life.

Good for you.

OK, so now let’s explore this topic a little further. When you get into dealing with just the important things of life, are we talking real importance or perceived importance?

Real Importance:
30 min exercise a day
Spending time with the family
Relaxation time
Listening to your partner, your children
Taking time to observe what is going on around you
Taking time just to think
Pursuing Purpose

Perceived importance:
Finish reading a report
Play golf with your boss
Take a phone call in the middle of a family meal
Get started with no real plan
Don’t take holidays
Live to work
Reply to emails on your phone 24/7

Now it is not my place to tell you what should be importance of the real variety and what is importance of the perceived variety. That, my friend, is up to you.

However, I will say this:

If you find yourself spending time doing just urgent things, then it is time for a change.

If you find yourself doing just important things of the perceived variety, it’s time for a change.

And if you find yourself just doing important things of the real variety, you might need to change that slightly as well.

I don’t think it is a matter of balance, but I do believe it is about knowing what is the right thing to do at any given time of the day.

As you go about the journey that sits before you in 2021, take the time to understand where your focus and your priorities should truly be. Understand this in a philosophical sense and make it part of your new approach to life in 2021 and beyond.

During the year ahead, take time to enjoy all that life has to offer. And know that the offering will come in many different shapes and sizes. But be ready to deal with anything and everything that comes your way.

Some will be in the guise of urgent. Some will be framed as perceived important. And of course, some will come as Importance of the real persuasion.

Know the difference. And know how and when to decide what is the right thing for you to be doing, not only for yourself but for the ones around you — family, friends, and colleagues.

The Journey Continues!