Our lives are filled with noise and distractions; we live in a chaotic whirlwind of activities supporting our basic needs: food, water, and shelter. We have jobs, houses to manage, groceries to buy, laundry to clean. Where is the time to find meaning and purpose?
The noise is the information coming in waves every day. Finding what truly matters in this ocean of noise and distractions is critical for our success. We often become part of the whirlwind, caught in what others define as success. We work for money or social validation, without taking time to clarify what truly matters. You need to understand what truly matters to you.
What truly matters?
We each will have different answers, but we must honestly know ourselves to set goals for our future. Defining what matters will help you find your purpose and passion and allow you to seek a meaningful life.
A sense of purpose guides us. Our lives can be transformed when our core values, passions, and meaningful activities align. We can find meaning and purpose through activities directly impacting who we want to be, such as our career, hobbies, or volunteer work.
What drives you?
Take some time and reflect on your values. What matters the most? Not to your spouse, boss, or friends. What matters most to you? Answering this question is essential to profoundly knowing yourself. What do you stand for at the end of your life? Looking back, what would you say genuinely mattered?
“Focus on what lights a fire inside of you and use that passion to fill a white space. Don’t be afraid of the challenges, the missteps, and the setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep going.”
Kendra Scott
What truly matters?
Health – Connections – Self-love – Authenticity – Time – Our impact
Your mental and physical health are the foundations of a meaningful life. Self-care and your health are critical to your well-being. This includes a balanced diet, exercise, and rest. Your mental health is just as important. Our physical and mental health supports all other pursuits and lets us engage fully in the life we want to live.
The heart of what truly matters is our social connections. Meaningful connections with family and friends give us a sense of belonging and love. Connections within your community can also play an essential role in finding a meaningful existence.
Self-love and acceptance are also critical to our sense of meaning, happiness, and well-being. You must accept your self-worth. We understand that we are imperfect beings, but we must embrace who we are. Find compassion for yourself.
Society pushes us to conform, and embracing our true selves is essential to finding your path. Authenticity helps us find self-love and acceptance, and it builds confidence. Being our genuine self helps us find our joy, but it also allows us to accept others and their uniqueness.
Time is a limited resource, and how we spend it significantly impacts our quality of life. We have 168 hours per week. Are you a part of the chaotic wave of daily life, or are you doing activities that align with what truly matters? Being present in the moment while conversing with a loved one or engaging in a hobby enhances our experiences and deepens our connections. Our life is today, yesterday is past, and tomorrow does not exist yet. This moment here and now is your life. This is what truly matters. Living for today helps us to find focus and clarity.
What contribution or impact does our life have on your family and community? Giving back to others benefits those in need and enriches our lives. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, create a sense of community and connection. Contributing and serving will positively impact the world; even small acts can bring a sense of meaning and fulfillment.
Community, Compassion, and Quality of Life: The Impact of Volunteering
Embracing personal growth and learning is how we improve ourselves to reach our hopes, plans, and dreams. Personal development is an ongoing journey. Embracing change and seeking knowledge can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world. Take risk by stepping outside of your comfort zone. Read widely and explore books, podcasts, and articles that challenge your perspective and expand your knowledge.
How a Lifelong Learning Mindset Fuels Goal Achievement
Prioritizing what truly matters
Begin your day by reviewing your calendar and to-do list to set priorities.
- Define your vision for the future and identify core values you want to uphold.
- Establish goals and a list of activities and tasks that align with your core values.
- Focus your time and energy on things that support what matters most to you.
- Learn to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities.
- Take breaks to clear your mind and gain focus and clarity. Step away from work and take a walk.
- Limit distractions like constantly checking phone and emails.
- Evaluate your priorities regularly and be willing to adapt to change.
- Reflect on what gives your life meaning and purpose. Identify your core values and what’s most important to you.
- Make your well-being a priority by practicing self-care, scheduling time for rest, and re-energizing.
The idea is to be intentional about your life, making decisions based on who you are today and who you want to become tomorrow. It is critical to align your time and energy accordingly.
What really matters is what you do with what you have.
H. G. Wells
Conclusion
The path to what matters is a personal journey created by our experiences, values, and goals. By focusing on connection, purpose, growth, and contribution, we can cultivate a life rich in meaning and fulfillment. As you navigate your path, take time to reflect on what resonates with you. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and remember that pursuing what matters is as important as the destination itself.
The goal is to identify what truly matters to you and align your time and energy accordingly. Also, being willing to say no to things that don’t support your core priorities. Regular reflection and re-evaluation are critical as priorities can shift over time.
In the bigger picture of our lives, we may find that what truly matters is often in the simplest things: our connection, authenticity, health, passions, and well-being. What aspects of life do you find most meaningful? How do you prioritize what truly matters to you? How do you choose to spend your time and energy?
Recommended Reading
Focus on What Truly Matters, by Mike Robbins
What really matters in life? How to experience more of it. by Sirin Ortanca
Shifting Focus to What Really Matters in Life, by Jennifer Rollin MSW, LCSW-C
What Really Matters: How to Care for Yourself and Serve a Hurting World, by Hal Donaldson, and Lindsay Donaldson-Kring
How to Figure Out & Prioritize What Matters Most in Your Life, by Jenna Kutcher
Citations
Photo by Jordan Wozniak on Unsplash
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