Do Your Actions Match Your Priorities...?

By Audrey Seymour

If like many these days you are feeling a renewed sense of possibility and purpose for your life work, how do you translate that inspiration into the actions that will make a lasting difference?

Having an inspiring vision statement and a brilliant strategy for growth is not enough if your actions do not match your priorities. Without aligning your daily focus with your deepest values, your life and business mission will not be reached.

Have you ever found yourself avoiding a heartfelt goal? I always knew I wanted to write a book, but year after year went by without any progress until I finally let go of "I should be able to do it myself" and signed up for a class.

In order to stay on course it is critical to bring greater awareness into the relationship between your intentions and your actions. Here is a simple way to take stock and make any corrections that might be needed. Set aside some time when you will be uninterrupted to explore the following questions:

1. What long-term objectives will keep you aligned with your values and your mission? For example, your list might include such things as doubling your client base within a year, publishing a series of DVDs in the next two years, and having weekly time with your family. Take your time to be sure that you don't forget anything that is important to you.
2. Next, what are the major projects and activities that are actually occupying your time? Don't forget to include household tasks as well as work and self-renewal. It's important to be honest with yourself in order to get the best results. For example, email is a popular time filler! If your list gets longer than 10 items, simplify it by using bigger categories.
3. Make a chart that lists the objectives from #1 across the top and the activities from #2 down the left side. For each activity, make a checkmark in the corresponding box in your chart that lines up with the activity and all the objectives that it supports.
4. Sit back and look at your chart. What patterns do you see? What priorities are being honored and which aren't getting the attention they deserve?
5. Reflect on some possible ways to bring your daily actions and your objectives into closer alignment. What fears or doubts might be holding you back? What support could you receive, and what will you need to let go of in order to make room for what really matters?

There's nothing wrong with going off course — continually making mid-course corrections is part of being alive. All you need to do is remember to keep coming back — come back to noticing where you are now and what will bring you closer to the expression of your heart's desire.

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