How to Find Your Priorities for 2024 - 20 Minute Journalling Exercise

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves chasing a myriad of goals, dreams, and obligations—some true to ourselves, while others are imposed upon us for as long as we can remember. Many of us have been sold the dream that we can truly have it all. However, buried in the fine print is a crucial term and condition: you can have it all, but not all at once. This realisation prompts us to take a closer look at our priorities, the guiding stars that enable us to focus and prioritise effectively, allowing us to walk the path to our true desires.

What are Priorities?

Priority / Noun

"The fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others."

As much as we would love to prioritise everything, the very definition of the word reminds us that a priority is more important than something else. It doesn't mean that the other thing is not important to you (remember this), but rather that it holds a higher significance for a period of time.

In a world that bombards us with endless opportunities and distractions, taking the time to reflect on our priorities becomes essential. When we gain clarity on what really matters to us, we pave the way for a more intentional and purposeful life. Instead of wasting precious time on things misaligned with our true purpose, we use our time, energy, and resources wisely.

Reflecting on the Past 6-12 Months

Firstly, let's take a moment to look back on the last 6-12 months to reassess where you've been. This step is crucial, providing us with information, data, and insights essential for growth and understanding.

Please note that whatever you learn or any realisations you have, there's no judgement. The goal is to be curious about the past 6-12 months for the sole purpose of learning. There's no need to beat ourselves up about what may not have gone well; we're simply collecting data to grow and evolve (sign me up).

The 20 Minute Journalling Exercise

Step One:

In the middle of your page, write down the main areas of your life, breaking it down into the key components where you spend your time and attention. Here is an example below. Feel free to make it your own and write words that resonate with you. 

• Health

• Family

• Friends

• Money

• Career

• Mind/Personal Growth

• Spirituality

• Fun & Recreation

Step Two:

Reflect on the past 6-12 months. Identify the areas of your life that received the most time and attention. On the left-hand side of those words, label them from 1 (most time) to 8 (least time). 

Stop, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and see how that feels. 

Step Three: This is the fun part

Decide on your priorities for the next 6 months. On the right-hand side of the words, label them from most important to least important. Please note there is no tied place, no right or wrong, and no guilt needed. Take your time and remember they are the priorities for the next 6 months, not forever. If you removed the word 'should', what would your priorities be?

Get honest with yourself. If health isn't a priority this year, let it go and focus on what truly matters. If friends don't make it into the top 3, it doesn't mean you don't love and appreciate them. It simply means focusing on something else for a while, not forever.

Close your eyes, place your hand on your heart, and connect with that space where your true nature resides.

Your Top 3 Priorities

What are your top 3 priorities for the next 6-12 months?

Remember, everyone has different priorities in different seasons of their lives. Knowing yours helps to quieten the comparison game, reminding us that there is no race or deadline—just different priorities.