Does your calendar reflect your real priorities?

What Are You Getting Done?
If you were to ask someone what’s important to them, they might tell you they value spending quality time with loved ones, and having a sense of wellbeing from taking care of their health.
But if you were to follow them around for a week, you might observe them eating junk food at their desk and missing a family outing.
That person’s use of their time shows us what they’re actually giving priority to, even if they don’t want to admit it. That’s the hard truth – whatever you’re getting done, that’s what your real priorities are.
That’s why undertaking a detailed time study for a week can help make it obvious when you’re accidentally spending your time on the wrong priorities. It might even inspire a change, a better alignment with your desired values.
If your calendar is out of sync with your values, you’re probably feeling stressed, or even burned out. That’s a natural consequence when what you say is important isn’t aligned with how you’re behaving.
The Next Step
As we roll into August, it’s pretty evident to most of us that we don’t have enough time to do everything we want. This is the home stretch of the summer season, and a perfect time to take a clear-eyed look at what our actions tell us about our priorities.
Here’s a quick exercise:
Interrupt your routine – go sit somewhere you don’t usually work from, like a coffee shop or the park.
Write down 3 big goals you’d like to accomplish in the next 12 months. They can be personal or professional, and they should be significant enough that achieving all 3 would easily make it your best year ever.
Compare that list to your calendar. Where are you making time for working on them? And where are you spending time that doesn’t help you achieve those goals?
Re-write your job description as a business owner who is dedicated to achieving those 3 goals. What are the things you’re doing? What needs to come off your calendar to clear some space?
Syncing your daily routine with your dreams and values is a surefire way to gain traction in the areas of your life that matter most.

This Week’s Takeaway
How well is your calendar designed to get the results you want to achieve?
Even small shifts in your daily routine can help you spend your time intentionally, on the things you choose to prioritize.
Your success as a business leader reflects how well you allocate your resources. This article is part of a 3-part series about getting the most from what you’ve got:

This August – Activate Your Audience
You know staying in touch matters, but now it’s time to focus on strategy and put it into action.
In this online program, you’ll work with Coach Caitlin to craft a unique strategy and action plan for lasting relationships. With a flexible learning schedule, let’s build your bottom line with more repeat business and referrals.
Learn More on the webpage, or download the info package for a program breakdown.

Think Faster, Talk Smarter: By Matt Abrahams
A practical guide for anyone who finds themselves needing to speak clearly and confidently in everyday situations where preparation isn’t an option (like job interviews, team meetings, or casual conversations that suddenly feel high-stakes). Abrahams offers strategies to stay grounded, organize your thoughts quickly, and express yourself in a way that’s both authentic and effective.

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