Camp MOJO

Are You Too Busy to Do What’s Most Important?

by Bill Brakemeier on 08/10/09 at 4:30 am

Do you sacrifice the IMPORTANT for the URGENT?

I hear it all of the time.

People hear of a book that can help them find the connection they seek to a higher source, a therapist who can help them better communicate with their child or spouse, a seminar that can help them gain financial independence, or even a diet that can help them lose weight.

Some have even researched all of the information on the seminar, bought the book, or had the free initial consultation with the therapist. Perhaps the food for the meal plan has already found a home in their kitchen and they’ve invested in the health club membership.

When asked why they aren’t reading, meeting, attending, eating, exercising, the answer is the same.

“I haven’t had time yet.”

Yet when I ask them what is most important in their lives, one of the top two things, they promise me (you guessed it) is that which would change via the book, therapist, seminar or health regiment.

Most people … maybe even you … have this kind of incongruency between what they think is important and where they choose to spend their time. Where is it happening in your life?

First, find a semi-quiet place, somewhere you can be undisturbed, even if only for five minutes. Ideally you are sitting with a piece of paper, notepad or note-card in front of you, and if your eyes can be shut, even better.

If it is too tough to find that kind of time today, try carving out your time on the train or bus to work. It can be on the treadmill, at the lunch table, at your desk, in your PARKED car, or even in the bathroom if that is currently the only place you can be undisturbed. If needed, put some music (preferably without lyrics) on your MP3 player to keep from allowing yourself to get interrupted.

Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Focus on your breath and send your attention to the colors that appear and dance on the backs of your eyelids. Take a deep breath and ask yourself  “What is most important in my life? What do I value most?”

List the first 5-15 things that come to your head, without judging or editing. Wait a few moments before opening your eyes and writing them down. Close your eyes again and ask yourself, “Have I forgotten anything?” Write down anything else that comes to your mind.

Tuck that piece of paper away and don’t look at it until after you have completed the next step.

Now you need some kind of notebook or journal that is just the right size to carry around with you for the next 24 hours. In it you will write down everything you do, everything that takes your time, everyplace you choose to spend your energy. Do it in 30 minute increments at the most. If you want even better accuracy and can really dedicate yourself, do it in 5 minute increments.

Example

Continue to log your time for as little as 24 hours, or as much as an entire week. I guarantee you, the enlightenment will be worth the investment.

Next: Finding and filling your gaps . . .

Time Is Life. When you loaf about, your mind starts thinking about all kinds of doubts, insecurities, fears, other people’s beliefs, and worries about what’s happening and what isn’t happening. Such dead time can become an energy and confidence trap.… Any time or space not filled with high priorities become filled with low priorities, if you don’t know your high priorities, you’ll fall into the lows.
– John Demartini