#004

Prioritizing Purpose: A Journey to Purposeful Living

By Leilani Sigsbey (644 words)

In the flow of daily life, time often slips through our fingers like sand. Stephen R. Covey's Habit 3, "Put First Things First," is a revelation. It's not just about managing time; it's about aligning our actions with our deepest principles and values. This habit bridges the gap between aspiration and tangible, purpose-driven accomplishments.

A Wakeup Call

Currently, college life, with its whirlwind of assignments and extracurriculars, presents a daunting challenge. Within the first semester in college, I was buried beneath a mountain of tasks, I had an epiphany. Without deliberate prioritization, I risked spreading myself too thin. I had to step out of this state and think to myself, what truly mattered.

The Core of Habit 3: Principle-Centered Living

Putting First Things First demands that we discern between the urgent and the essential, between the superficial and the profound. It's about identifying and valuing our most crucial tasks—those that resonate with our overarching principles and goals. This shift in perspective empowers us to allocate our time where it truly matters.

The Matrix of Time Management

Covey introduces the Time Management Matrix, a visual tool that categorizes tasks based on their urgency and importance. It's a revelation: tasks that seem urgent may not always be the most significant. This paradigm shift encourages us to invest our time where it truly counts. When reflecting on this, I thought of my own paradigm shift I presented to my peers in class. This pertained to how my mother impacted where I would attend college and how I had to prepare during high school.

From Chaos to Purpose: My Transformation

As I integrated Habit 3 into my daily life, a profound transformation occurred. The chaos of endless to-do lists gave way to a sense of purposeful direction. Each task I undertook, each moment I invested, became a deliberate step towards my long-term vision. I learned that it's not about doing more, but doing what truly matters.

The Empowering Art of Saying "No"

In a world that often glorifies busyness, saying "no" can be an act of radical self-preservation. Habit 3 emboldens us to set boundaries, to prioritize our well-being and long-term goals over momentary demands. Growing up, I believed that I was a people-pleaser and would rarely say “no” if someone asked me to do something. I created this impression of myself that I am such a kind and helping individual; and this was something I was very proud of.

But then I realized, I had so much piled up on my plate from others asking me to do something, that I had no time for myself. It's about recognizing that every "yes" to one thing is a "no" to something else. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a hard time saying no to other, but I try to be mindful about how this will impact me if I accept this obligation.

Crafting a Personal Roadmap

Implementing Habit 3 calls for the creation of a personal mission statement. This statement serves as a compass, guiding our decisions and actions:

"Striving for continuous growth, I embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and self-improvement. I aspire for my feedback and opinions to be valued and thoughtfully considered in every endeavor." – Leilani Sigsbey

Embracing the Continuous Journey

Mastering Habit 3 is not a destination; it's an ongoing expedition. It's a dynamic dance between principles and priorities, a testament to our commitment to living a purpose-driven life. As we put first things first, we carve out space for what truly matters, ushering in a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

In the words of Covey, "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." Let Habit 3 be your guiding light towards a life rich in purpose, impact, and fulfillment. Remember, it's not about managing time, but about managing yourself within the time you have.