A few weeks ago, a friend said that our actions between 5pm and 10pm reveal our priorities. She rationalized that most people spend 9 to 5 working for a paycheck, but that we make our own schedules after we clock-out. When I got home, I mapped out my weekly activities to see if there was a correlation between my priorities and my weekly agenda.
My findings? I devoted the majority of my week to The Big Three (faith, family, friends) and also spent significant time pursuing creative passions (writing, photography, design), community projects (volunteering), and physical goals (yoga and running). That’s all fine, of course, but it seemed like something was missing. Can you guess what it was?
No – it’s not the pillows. I’ve been wanting to make the pillows for a while, and today I had the time (and the fabric) to sew some beauties for the couch. The missing element, however, was a growth experience. I’ve pursued the same passions for years and years, and I felt something was needed to inspire change and expand thinking.
My conclusion? Volunteer with a new organization (I now tutor every Wednesday afternoon), work on a skill (I’m taking a writing class at The Loft), and meet new people (I joined a women’s group at church). I’m two weeks into the tutoring program, and I’m positive my student has taught me more about life than I’ve imparted about reading and writing . And as for the church group? Instant respect and admiration for the women I’ve met. The writing class begins in two weeks, so I’ll keep you updated on that front.
The activities align with my original ‘priority categories,’ yet also inspire new ways of thinking about the things that matter most. Part of me wants to try something more radical – run a marathon or take a business class – but the little changes will work for now.
How do you prioritize your time? Do you look for growth-opportunities?
Like that keyboard photo? Check out http://deathtothestockphoto.com/. Graphics made with the Rhonna Designs app. 🙂
apartmentwife 
That’s a really interesting way of looking at things! I work for a pay check for only 6 hours a week, and the rest I guess shows my priorities. Would be interesting to map out where my time goes!! I think it’s so cool how you challenge yourself!
I do believe that what you spend you time on shows your priorities. Angel and I have always had this little goal for ourselves and how we spend our time and money: “Invest in the eternal”–that’s really the priority for both of us, and to us it means spending our resources on things that involve people, because people are eternal in our way of thinking–they’re an investment that will last a lot longer than anything we put in the bank, so we invest our time into building relationships and living in such a way that we can bless those we meet. Having a spoken goal like that helps us make choices when it comes down to moments where we decide whether to veg out on the couch and watch tv, or go out and join my relatives in their hay-baling party and throw haybales up on the wagon so their farm work gets done a little faster.
That’s so interesting and I think that’s super true. Hmm my life changed a whole bunch when we got married so right now I think my evenings are mostly dedicated to sorting out our lives haha. But I love the idea of taking a class or something that makes me better than I was at the beginning of the day!
I just love this post. Such a great reminder and exactly what I needed for some inspiration today! I think growth opportunities are so important in every part of life! Relationships, activities, work, etc. I’ve been on this “try to learn a new language” kick, and it’s been so awesome. 🙂
You’ve inspired me once again my friend, time to brainstorm new activities!! Although, I am going back to school next month..perhaps that counts!? HA!
That is so true. I have been convicted lately about giving myself an “out” for getting home, cooking dinner and eating in front of the tv for an hour, then working on my writing and art…but too often I’m cramming it all in at night or get caught up in a movie…I think I need to do a tv detox!
You will LOVE writing class. I took one and it was one of the best things I’ve invested in! 🙂
I hate to admit what I do between 5-10! Cook, clean, relax! But, part of that is spending time with my family, so I would say that is my main priority!
Inspiring!! It is so easy to get into a rut and allow intentional growth to take a backseat. Not you though! You are going above and beyond. Keep up the great work.
Also, those pillows. LOVE.
I think it’s so cool that you’re being intentional about how you spend your time!! That 5-10 principle is a bit of a wake-up call for me…I’m pretty sure most of that time was spent watching Netflix last night haha. Since I work from home now, I’m pretty good about pursuing good things during the day, but I tend to be a bit useless in the evenings 😉 I could definitely stand to be more intentional with my time!
How encouraging!!! I just love your heart!!! I think it’s so good to be intentional about your time and impressed with all you can do in one week!! Including making those super cute and fancy pillows. Love!!!!
This is a fascinating concept to study! Now I feel the need to map out how I spend those hours of my time 🙂 Interestingly, I have thought about it before. Some days I spend all my time after work at the grocery store and in the kitchen, other days I spend all that time working on my writing or photography pursuits, and then some others I just watch tv with my husband. I’ve found that I need that kind of variety and balance from day to day to maintain my sanity! Also, I LOVE that you’re going to take a writing class! Can’t wait to see how it goes!
Most of my priorities center around my kids, but I need to be more open to personal growth. After all, my babies will grow and be gone….I still gotta live with me👍👍
This is so encouraging! I’ve never thought of looking at my 5pm-10pm, but I think I tend to spend most of my time on family. I’d love to work additional activities in + the way you adopted tutoring + a new church group is inspiring!
Girl, I want your life! Or to be your real-life friend who sees you on a regular basis. Based on theory, my priorities lie in talking about all my “plans” while watching TV. Well that’s eye-opening! Definitely something to ponder on…while watchingTV…. 🙂
Wow, that’s great that you are trying new things. Sometimes change can be so exciting! 🙂 I never really thought about it this way, but our free time really does say a lot about us. I hope you enjoy your writing class!
Good for you! I don’t think much about how I’m growing outside my specific field (like photography – obviously, I’m always working on that and learning more because I get paid to do that). Smart girl to challenge yourself with new things. 🙂
I can totally relate to your feelings about your tutoring experience. As a lego robotics coach, I without a doubt learned as much from the team I coached as they learned from me.
My evening time slot is most often consumed with family obligations. That is not to say that these aren’t important, as they certainly are. But, the time to devote to personal growth opportunities is not abundant, to say the least 😉
Instead, I try to focus on opportunities in the early morning hours, before everyone is awake. I have never been a true morning person. But, when that time is available to take part in “me” time, it feels much better.
Although I have been writing informally for awhile now, I have always had the itch to refine it somewhat, learn something new, dive into some new genres. Your last graphic, “inspire someone today” is, as you might expect, near and dear to my heart. And you may have just done that, thanks 🙂
Your graphics are always so lovely! You inspired me today 😉
I don’t know if the way I spend my time reflects my priorities- this sounds like a much needed exercise in my life. At least I know the important ones are in place 🙂