I’m currently reading The Worn Out Woman, an excellent book which is meeting me right where I’m at. This past Saturday, I was blessed to be able to go out by myself and do some reading, thinking, planning and praying at a local coffee shop, and this is a quote that stood out to me:

“The problem is that we really can’t do it all- and if we try, the items we never get to are sometimes the most important ones. Overcommitment is not only exhausting; it also makes maintaining balance almost impossible because “urgent” issues will almost always crowd out those that are more important but less time sensitive.

We quickly reach the point where we are routinely postponing time with the Lord and with family and friends in favor of “getting things done”- even replacing meaningful relationships with the temporary rewards of trying to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

I would add to that, “and especially to my own expectations.”

Set Priorities Then Plan, Act

One thing that is obvious to those who know me well is that I simply want to do too many things (and don’t we all secretly expect ourselves to be somewhat of a Superwoman?). The problem is not that they’re not good things to do. It’s just that I often don’t prioritize what’s on my plate carefully enough, and then plan and act accordingly. As a result, when time runs short, things pile up and I become a frenzied and stressed-out mommy, those things that are really the most important (and not just the most urgent) often end up by the wayside.

Important Needs Take Top Priority

I’ve been encouraged to take the time to really think and pray through all of the things that are clamoring for my time and attention, and ask for wisdom as I try to decipher which are the relationships and activities that should really take precedence in this particular season of life. What’s most important needs to take top priority with my time. What’s less important just might not get done, regardless of how much I may wish that I could do it, and no matter how “good” of a thing that it is.

Spend Your Energy Realistically

By setting my priorities like this, it helps me to ensure that I am spending my time and energy on those things that really matter the most, because the reality is, I just can’t do it all (and no, neither can you)!

Am I the only one adding unrealistic expectations to my already long list of things to do? Do you struggle to keep your priorities in line, and to not let the tyranny of the urgent take over those things in your life that are most important?

Stephanie is seeking more purposefulness and simplicity in her life, as she balances her roles as wife, mommy to little ones, daughter of the King, homemaker and friend. Oh yes- in her “spare time” she also attempts to run the blog Keeper of the Home, where she discusses naturally inspired living.