Being caught between work and breathing space, we reach a point in our lives when monotony niggles us. Our routines become too stagnant that we wonder what’s more to life and reconsider our goals.
But as we try to get our priorities straight, we realize which aspects bring the most pleasure and satisfaction to our lives and redirect our goals from that standpoint. With that in mind, knowing our priorities is an essential skill to flourish and find balance in life.
Here are four things that should be at the top of your list.
Prioritize Your Home
Even if you currently find yourself working from home most of the time or you don’t even have to work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still highly advisable to take a shower every day, brush your teeth, cut your nails, and get a haircut every once in a while. Aside from keeping your body clean and hygienic and minimizing the chances of infection, these things make part of a rejuvenating process that leaves you feeling energized and refreshed.
The same goes for your home. And while it is true that houses and apartments are inanimate objects incapable of feelings, they also need a little tender loving care if they are to remain beautiful over time, not to mention maintain a high market value in case you are planning on selling.
Because of this, you must keep your property clean both inside and out and enhance it from time to time with wonderful additions such as a high-tech skylight, a striking set of main doors or windows, or a new roof.
Prioritize Your Time
There is a reason why the expression “time is money” remains popular almost three centuries after it first appeared in an essay written by Benjamin Franklin in The American Instructor, or, Young Man’s Best Companion, a 1748 book written by George Fisher. Yet, both men and women of different age groups and from nationalities all across the globe fail to recognize the true importance of not wasting it. Instead, they give it away for free to others, charge too little for it, or simply don’t care unless they realize there isn’t any left for themselves.
When it comes to your time, there are two essential aspects to consider. The first is having the ability and courage to say no when the circumstances are not appropriate, or you can be doing something much more productive. The second is giving way to laziness, getting into the habit of postponing things, or to put it bluntly, embracing the very human art of procrastination.
The minutes and hours you have in life are limited. And no matter what others may say, only you can decide how you use them.
Prioritize Your Feelings
Nobody has the right to hurt you, either physically or emotionally, unless, of course, you did something to them first, and they are retaliating for those actions. But even then, revenge will not bring anyone inner peace or result in long-term satisfaction. In fact, it is the opposite. It will only prolong a cycle of wrongdoing that can ultimately become too difficult to control.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you should let others do with you as they please. Whether at home or in the office, if you feel attacked, offended, or uncomfortable with another person’s behavior toward you, it is not only your right but also your duty to let them know. It is your responsibility to establish clear boundaries as it pertains to what you will or won’t accept. And they have to be set right from the start.
Sadly, in most cases, a child cannot fight back against an adult who is hurting him. But as adults, there are several avenues we can take, from simple reminders of what is to be tolerated to assistance from people in authority such as our teachers or the police.
Prioritize Your Money
Among many other things, one of the most important lessons the COVID-19 global pandemic has taught us is the importance of having a source of stable income. In the past year and a half or so, millions of people worldwide have lost their jobs and are currently struggling to make ends meet. Under such harsh conditions, it is unrealistic to expect others to help us as they are also going through the same difficulties themselves.
Money alone will not make you happy. But it is much better to have more of it than less if you are sick, need to provide food for your spouse and children, and have to pay the rent, the electricity, the water, the gas, the internet connection, and many other things.
Only you know how arduous of a process it was to get the money you now have. As a result, think carefully before you give it away and take the time to consider whether you really need what you are buying. In times like these, chances are it will take much longer than before to get it back.
If you want a happy, prosperous life, prioritize your home, time, feelings, and money. Aside from your family and your health, they are all essential factors to your well-being and success.
