Please look after yourself.
We often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of activities—working hard to build relationships, careers, and families. We plan for the future, buy homes, save for that new car, schedule holidays, and strive to stay fit. We even admire our physical selves in the mirror, proud of our progress. It feels like we\’re doing all the right things to care for ourselves, right?
But here’s the hidden danger: What if something is happening that we are completely unaware of? For example, we might unknowingly walk with a slight lean because of a short leg or a bent ankle. Over time, this unnoticed imbalance could lead to a spinal issue, eventually landing us in a hospital and possibly requiring surgery. In the worst-case scenario, we could be dealing with amputations, chronic pain, or even life-altering trauma, all because we weren’t fully aware of how something small was impacting our health.
This scenario isn’t limited to physical conditions. Our emotional well-being plays a huge role in our health too. Unresolved emotions can manifest into serious conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or even cancer. Understanding that our well-being is a delicate balance between our physical, emotional, and psychological states is essential.
The Hidden Cost of Low Priorities
Now, let’s think about this in a broader context. People who spend their time working on low priorities often attract calamities, disasters, and humbling circumstances. Sound extreme? It’s not. Think of it like this: You can work diligently and earn money, but the results could be devastating if your focus is constantly on tasks that don’t serve your highest purpose. Illness, mental health challenges, chronic stress, and fatigue are just a few of the issues that can arise from ignoring what really matters.
It\’s not about neglecting the practicalities of life, such as doing laundry or maintaining family harmony. However, if these activities become your central focus at the expense of your true purpose, they can become traps. When we prioritize the wrong things, we lower our self-worth, and our sense of purpose erodes.
So, How Do We Avoid the Trap?
Here’s a simple motto I live by: Link it or sink it.
That’s right. Everything we do should be linked to our highest priorities. If an activity doesn’t align with what’s most important to you, it will eventually lead to self-sabotage. Whether it’s a career choice, family commitment, or personal goal, it could drag you down if it’s not connected to your highest value.
So how do we find our highest priorities?
- Know Your Purpose: Your highest priority is your purpose. It\’s the driving force behind everything you do. Ask yourself, \”What is my highest value?\” Your highest value is the most meaningful thing to you, and it should guide every decision you make.
- Link Every Action: Once you know your purpose, the next step is to link all of your activities to that purpose. It\’s not about avoiding mundane tasks, but rather making sure everything you do supports your greater goals. It\’s about spinning things around so that even the smallest action has meaning.
- Beware of Low Priorities: These distractions feel important in the moment but don’t serve your purpose. The more time you spend on low priorities, the more likely you are to experience setbacks—calamities, disasters, and humbling circumstances that can derail your life.
A Balanced Approach
It’s about balance. You don’t have to ignore family, work, or leisure, but you do need to ensure these things are in service to your highest priorities. Life is a series of trade-offs, but when your actions align with your purpose, you’ll have more energy, greater fulfilment, and fewer setbacks.
Let’s remember the soundbite: Please look after yourself. But to do that effectively, you must first look after your true purpose. Ask yourself daily, “Am I working on high priorities?” If not, it’s time to refocus before life humbles you with a lesson you could have avoided.