In an ever shifting tide of priorities it can be very difficult to decide what to do first. In Stephen Covey’s book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People one of the Habits is ,” begin with the end in mind.” When we set our bigger long term goals we typically work backwards from them with smaller benchmarks that move us systematically toward that end goal. As moments unfold in our daily journey it is very easy to get swept up in the maelstrom of issues we may face. Things that are seemingly important but will not move the needle and help us cross the finish line. Not only are there problems to solve but most entrepreneurs have a multitude of roles within the framework of their businesses . It can be very difficult to decide where to put energy . We must get good at the strategy of prioritize and execute . So how do we know what to give our attention?

We have to begin with what we value most. The weighty things in life. The reason we goal set in the first place is to have them to look at when life gets foggy. Our goals should not be limited to work or business but should also include connections with people in our lives. Have you ever had times when you have been so busy with work productivity that your key relationships have suffered? We have all been there. For example ,I have every intention on spending meaningful time each week with my wife. Often what happens is in the day to day operations of running our family business ,work easily becomes the priority. The next thing we both realize is that weeks have gone by and all we have had are casual conversations about work. A great strategy is to set a specific goal regarding life. For example. “ One Friday a month Rayna and I will spend a morning together . A ninety minute float followed by lunch.” When things like this are a written stated goal they are much more likely to get done . We have made our relationship a priority and now know where we are supposed to be the third Friday of each month. So as life gets crazy I can look forward to this time. Having goals makes it much easier to course correct when we get off track because we have a set destination. Planes are off course more than they are on . Without constant , minor course corrections they would never reach their destination. Imagine where planes would be without a set end goal. They would fly around aimlessly. Sound familiar? So take the time to decide what is important and write it down.

The goal setting and prioritizing theme will be one repeated here often as this is a subject I believe is vital to the success of living. Not simply business or monetary, but in managing the richness of relationships in our lives.

keep the big things the big things and don’t sweat the small stuff.

First Things First