Winning the Race of Life Series – ‘Setting Priorities’

Definition of Cambridge:

Priority means something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things.

It is important to understand the word ‘priority’ as it determines the way you lead your life. It determines what you will do in your life.

Issue: People have a difficulty understanding priority in their lives. They get their lives mess up and often fail to win the race of life.

Example 1: A student not leading a student’s life as many often hang out with friends in shopping malls, having long-hour meals, coming home late at night etc.

Transformation: If you are a student, studies come first. In fact, that is your main responsibility. No other things should come first before studies. If your friends ask you out, you may excuse yourself and only hang out in the weekends.It is just that simple. Furthermore, you have paid for your tuition fees and you should make good use of it. If you could manage your studies well, you could then proceed to focus on curricular activities or other business ventures.

Example 2: People often place personal pleasure above family well-being. For example, people often spend much in having nice meals and go vacation with friends and not having a thought of contributing more towards the well-being of family members. They always said I love my family members but never demonstrate that in their actions. What a pity!

Transformation: It is always better to give than to receive. Contribute towards your loved ones and make them happy. These are things money can’t buy… I agree that money plays a part, but your family members are not happy because of your money. They are happy because you have the kind thought of contributing your hard-earned money towards their well-being. For example, the intention of buying them a nice TV, buying them a nice fridge, treat them a sumptuous meal and not merely using your money for personal pleasure like buying personal stuff and go for a massage. It is your intention they are happy about and this is what money can’t buy.

Isn’t that meaningful in life? Something you are proud to share with your kids in the future. You may start by saying: “Do you know that PAPA did this in the past? Are you happy and feel proud to have DADDY doing this? Do you want to follow PAPA footsteps in doing meaningful things?”

To me, that is living life to the fullest. ENJOY!