What Are You Doing?

In Kevin Lehman's latest book The Firstborn Advantage, he asks the following three questions:

1. When are you the happiest?
2. What are your long-range goals?
3. What are some things you do that you really don't want to (but you do them because others expect you to)?

Sometimes we are so focused on question number three that we can't even answer the first two questions.  This happens even if you are not a firstborn or only child.  We find ourselves, out of what we think is necessity, doing things that others want us to do but not really wanting to do them ourselves.  Now in employment situations that happens all the time.  But is your personal life filled with this?  Do you do things in your personal life because others expect you to do them?  If so, it is time to re-evaluate and re-prioritize.

First, sit down.  It is OK to do that....to NOT be busy.  (Take that from a recovering workaholic).  After you are seated and trying to relax, think about what makes you happy.  What do you enjoy doing; where do you enjoy going.  Then ask yourself what keeps you from doing those things, from going those places.

Next, begin to think about what you want to accomplish in life.  What are your goals, your dreams.  Take some time to think about them and write them down.  Begin to think about what you can do to begin to achieve your goals. 

The speed of life is fast.  Before you know it, it is passing you by.  Don't look back regretting that you did not accomplish something that was important to you.  Life is meant to be lived.  Life is meant to be enjoyed, savored.  So.....plan, prioritize and proceed.