We, as 21st-century Americans, are likely all very busy people. There are endless responsibilities piled on our plate: papers to write, events to attend, projects to finish, mouths to feed and jobs to complete. In fact, often there are so many things expected of us that we don't have enough time to do them all.
Or, at least, do them all well.
Thus comes the revelation that we all need to understand, probably sooner rather than later: obligations do NOT equal priorities. Sure, being obligated to be kind to someone is something that cannot be ignored. It's a somewhat major facet of common social behaviors, actually. Courtesy, however, doesn't go so far as to occupy our time needed to work, like some obligations do.
I like to categorize such obligations into two groups: (1) what is expected of me, and (2) me going above and beyond what actually needs to be done. There is certainly a proper time and place for both qualities to be used. Take, for example, the aforementioned necessity to practice kindness toward others. It's such a typical expectation that we are actually surprised when someone doesn't fulfill it. This type of obligation doesn't really take anything out of us; we don't have to be inconvenienced to practice the Golden Rule.
The other type of obligation, though, is the one that might take some rescheduling to get everything done. These types of obligations may be providing a service as a big favor, or agreeing to do something that is particularly out of the ordinary. There is a need to live up to these types of obligations, yes, but the more excessive ones can eventually get in the way of prioritized productivity.
So what does that really mean? That means that obligations get in the way of progress when we feel obligated to do things that aren't actually our responsibility. The solution: prioritize. And learn how to say no.
Now, some of us don't struggle with this issue at all. I don't have a particularly difficult time with it myself. But, priorities don't just apply to obligations. They also apply to luxuries. In managing time wisely, we must balance between work that needs to be done, obligations toward others, and what we owe ourselves.
There's a fine line between pampering oneself too much and realizing the need for some R&R. I'd like to think that most people are balanced enough to plan their priorities in a productive way (even occasionally using some alliteration, like I just did). Living busy lives in 2015 is a work in progress. Teenagers and millennials today are just trying to figure their way into adulthood.
One thing is sure, though, and should always be remembered. Obligations do not always equal priorities. Priorities are important things, which should be taken seriously and thoroughly well-planned. Don't feel obligated to risk the precarious balance known as life.
Or, at least, do them all well.
Thus comes the revelation that we all need to understand, probably sooner rather than later: obligations do NOT equal priorities. Sure, being obligated to be kind to someone is something that cannot be ignored. It's a somewhat major facet of common social behaviors, actually. Courtesy, however, doesn't go so far as to occupy our time needed to work, like some obligations do.
I like to categorize such obligations into two groups: (1) what is expected of me, and (2) me going above and beyond what actually needs to be done. There is certainly a proper time and place for both qualities to be used. Take, for example, the aforementioned necessity to practice kindness toward others. It's such a typical expectation that we are actually surprised when someone doesn't fulfill it. This type of obligation doesn't really take anything out of us; we don't have to be inconvenienced to practice the Golden Rule.
The other type of obligation, though, is the one that might take some rescheduling to get everything done. These types of obligations may be providing a service as a big favor, or agreeing to do something that is particularly out of the ordinary. There is a need to live up to these types of obligations, yes, but the more excessive ones can eventually get in the way of prioritized productivity.
So what does that really mean? That means that obligations get in the way of progress when we feel obligated to do things that aren't actually our responsibility. The solution: prioritize. And learn how to say no.
Now, some of us don't struggle with this issue at all. I don't have a particularly difficult time with it myself. But, priorities don't just apply to obligations. They also apply to luxuries. In managing time wisely, we must balance between work that needs to be done, obligations toward others, and what we owe ourselves.
There's a fine line between pampering oneself too much and realizing the need for some R&R. I'd like to think that most people are balanced enough to plan their priorities in a productive way (even occasionally using some alliteration, like I just did). Living busy lives in 2015 is a work in progress. Teenagers and millennials today are just trying to figure their way into adulthood.
One thing is sure, though, and should always be remembered. Obligations do not always equal priorities. Priorities are important things, which should be taken seriously and thoroughly well-planned. Don't feel obligated to risk the precarious balance known as life.