How to Set Priorities With Purpose

woman writing on paper with the blog post title How to Set Priorities With Purpose

The disruptions caused by COVID-19 have many of us reflecting on our lives, and looking to set priorities with purpose that will carry though post-pandemic.

George has a new word for pandemic, and we think you’ll really like it. Click the player to hear it right away on The BIGG Success Show. Here’s a summary of the discussion…

The pandemic made us realize just how resilient we are. It also made us face many things:

  • The fragility of life
  • Uncertainty in our jobs and finances
  • Loss of time with loved ones
  • Our fears

These difficult times also made us reevaluate what is most important.

Our show today is inspired by a quote from Daryl Van Tongeren, an associate professor of psychology at Hope College in Michigan. He said,

“While some predict a Roaring ’20s renaissance once the crisis has ended, there are going to be a number of people who are changed. They’re going to say, `I’m going to emerge from this pandemic with a new set of values and I’m going to live my life according to new priorities.’”

There is a push now more than ever to live our lives with more meaning and intention, along with a desire to set priorities with purpose.

What new priorities have emerged from the pandemic?

In a recent study by Institute for Family Studies, participants who were asked what gives life meaning overwhelmingly responded with family and close relationships.

According to a report from Pinterest, searches around self-care, gratitude, and mindfulness, and positivity have skyrocketed.

Also, people are setting new goals for themselves as searches for starting a new business, life bucket list, and future life goals have been very popular.

We love these trends because they are aligned with our philosophy. BIGG stands for Believing, Implementing, Goal-getting, Giving-back. Thinking you can do something new is part of believing. Implementing is when you put those thoughts in to action. It’s exciting to see so many people who are seeking ways to act on their thoughts.

How do you set priorities with purpose?

As you take this time to determine what’s most important for your happiness and well-being, consider these questions…

  • What makes you excited to get out of bed?
  • Are you spending enough time doing what you feel called to do?
  • How much income and professional achievement do you need to be happy?
  • What brings you joy and peace?
  • What are some dreams/goals you’ve been putting off that you feel compelled to start now?

Your answers to these questions will help you set priorities with purpose.

You’ll be able to start implementing some of your priorities right away. For others, you may need to create a plan on how to make them happen. Just knowing you are working towards them will energize you!

You don’t always have to accept trade offs

There’s a growing number of people who had to work remotely, who now want to either change the demands of their job or change careers completely so they can work fewer hours and spend more time with friends and family.

Does that mean they’ll have to accept lower pay? Not necessarily.

The BIGG idea behind BIGG success is synergy. That means our two worlds should not only blend but benefit one another. So don’t go talk to your boss with the attitude that you’re going to take less money. Instead, show how you’ve been more productive by working and that you can have more time at home with your family and still get the job done and maybe even get it done better.

How can you keep your new priorities as the old normal returns?

Dr Susan David, a Harvard psychologist says that when everything is business-as-usual, we tend to get hooked into

“an autopilot mode of living” where we are often impacted by social contagion. For example, someone gets a promotion, we want a promotion – it’s a ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ mentality that prevents us from being in touch with our true being.”

The key to keeping your priorities is focus. When you keep your purpose at the forefront, you won’t veer off towards priorities that aren’t aligned with your values.

During the pandemic, someone else determined if we were essential or not. YOU are essential, and as we begin to emerge from the pandemic, you are now determining what is essential in your life. Prioritize what makes you happy – it leads to BIGG Success!

Are you re-evaluating your priorities? The questions in our free life purpose quiz can help!

Here’s to your BIGG success!

signatures: George & Mary-Lynn
George “The Professor” & Mary-Lynn
Co-Founders, BIGG Success

Direct link to The Bigg Success Show audio file | podcast:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/biggsuccess/01050-031521.mp3