Isn’t it funny how sometimes we learn about ourselves in the most unlikely ways! Years ago, while I was leading a Teen Moms group I made one of those really surprising discoveries. It was kinda funny because I was “helping the girls” understand what priorities are for each day – or should be – and I learned something I’ll never forget!
That night I led them through an exercise to help them discover what was most important to them. I provided and a list of items that they might consider important and asked them to take a few minutes to rank the items on the list based on their priorities in life.
I’m not sure if any of the young moms got anything out of that evening – but I sure did! That simple exercise helped me to understand what I most valued in my daily life. I was able to put my finger on the “Non-negotiables” that must happen each day for me to be my best.
Often, we talk about priorities and what is most important in life. But have you ever stopped to really think about what those are – for you personally? On a daily basis?
Every day holds opportunity, and the way we spend our day can help us be at our best.
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Today, I want to challenge you to stop for a few minutes and think about the things in your life that really matter most to you, on a daily basis, for you to be at your top performance: mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Below is a checklist that you can walk through in just a few minutes. Consider where you are at this point in your life and what you need on a daily basis to be your best. (If you prefer to print it out click: Daily Non Negotiables)
Step one: Check off the 10 most important items to you. Your perfect day would have these 10.
Okay, did you pick 10? Next, narrow those 10 down to your top 5 priorities.
Finally, narrow the list a wee bit more and circle the top 3 non-negotiables that you think are most important. For you to be in the zone and live your life with purpose and peace.
Seriously, it may be easier for you to print out the checklist. I don’t want you to miss this… So I made you a graphic that will help. Click Daily-Non-negotiables
Were you surprised by what you discovered? In different seasons of your life, your non-negotiables will change. Your overall priorities may not change much – but those things that need to happen each day for you to be your best will likely change. For instance, young moms may need to “Schedule” for their sanity, while an empty nester may need “Connecting w/ Friends” to have a day that feeds their soul.
We’re not quite done… almost…
NOW – take a step back. Look at the last week. Do your daily non-negotiables line up with your daily routine? Are you building into your day those things that will help you be your best?
If not, what can you do to make your daily priorities happen? Can you wake up a little earlier? Plan your day?
Do yourself a favor, take some time and walk through this exercise. Your days are valuable and your influence is great. By understanding what makes you tick – you are investing not only in yourself, but those people that God has placed in your life – in your circle of influence.
I’d love to hear how it goes! Did you discover something that surprised you? Oh, by the way, what surprised me was that “Tasks” were in my top three. Now I understand why I just have to get things done….. 😉
Looking to Linkup??? I’d love it if you did!!!
Sue Donaldson says
this is a great exercise – I will add it to my mentoring tools ! and share.
Char says
Hi Sue! I’d love to hear how it goes when you try it out!
Lisa notes says
I’m such a list-maker so of course I love this list. 🙂 Almost daily I make a to-do list so that I’ll accomplish the most important things first because we know there will ALWAYS be distractions and interruptions in every day. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Char!
Char says
So true Lisa!! There are a zillion distractions – lists are great for task oriented people like us!
Michele Morin says
Great emphasis and very methodical means of arriving at a personal destination! Thanks for developing and sharing.
Char says
Thanks Michele – it helped me realize why I “have to” accomplish things or I feel useless!! 🙂
Char says
Thanks Michele! It helps me.
Cindy says
This is a great post and excellent for recognizing what makes us “tick.” I work from a list too, shop from a list, and even schedule fun days on the list. Lists keep me focused but thankfully I’m not tied to the list. I sway often and that’s okay. It’s simply a guide for me!
Thanks for this post. I love it and want to examine it more carefully. Stopped by from Called to Blog and added a link to your link up! Also, have your link up on my site under Faith Link Ups…<3
Sarah says
http://www.gastroparesisqueen.com/12-books-on-amazon-about-gastroparesis/
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thanks again for the fun party. Enjoy a safe and fun week.
Char says
Thanks for stopping by Marilyn! I hope you have a great week too!
Pia says
This reminds me of a list that I made a few years ago, inspired by Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Based on Habit 2, “Begin with the end in mind,” I listed what I prayed I’d have accomplished by the time I said goodbye to my earthly life. The list should then serve as my guide for day-to-day living. I’ve been constantly referring to it ever since! Putting that post up in your linkup for the week 🙂
Char says
Thanks Pia. I’m a big fan of looking at life backwards to remember what’s important. I’m going to check out the post now!!
Yvonne Chase says
Hello Char,
First time here. Found you over at Bloggers Pit Stop. I clicked on the post because of the term non-negotiables which I’ve written about a lot as it relates to singles and dating.
My list of 3 Non-Negotiables looks like this:
Prayer
Eating Healthy
Physical Fitness
Those three things happen in my life daily. When I do those 3, everything else like making money, tasks, connecting with friends etc falls into place.
Char says
Hi Yvonne, I love that you have a clear picture of what makes a difference as your non-negotiables. Thanks for stopping by – I’m headed over to your site now!
Menaka Bharathi says
That’s an exhaustive non negotiable lists…Mine is
Flexibility
Helping Friends
Connecting w/s friends
http://www.simpleindianmom.in/5-modern-illness-prone-affect-child-steps-need-take-immediately/
Char says
Thanks. I tried not to leave anything out. So, you must be very outgoing! Friends are important!! Thanks for sharing!