Fixed: My Priorities Changed Daily–Here’s What Stabilized It

A cancer diagnosis can change your life significantly, making you rethink your daily priorities. It may be hard to focus on what is important, especially while managing health insurance, family, and friends. In this guide, based on ideas from John Delony and the REVIVE retreat, we will cover nine practical steps to help you organize your priorities during this time. By following these steps, you can gain clarity and build strength, making sure your health and well-being stay important.

1. Acknowledge Your Current Priorities

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by daily chores? Finding out what really matters is the first step.

To clarify your values and priorities, start by asking yourself reflective questions such as:

• What activities energize me?
• What accomplishments make me proud?

Make a list of your tasks in order of importance. Consider both how urgent they are and how they fit with your long-term goals. You might find that a priority matrix helps you see which tasks need your attention right away and which ones can wait. As discussed in a recent article on Medium, understanding the power of prioritization can significantly enhance your decision-making process. To further streamline your efforts, consider [how I created a workflow to auto sort my tasks](https://howisolvedit.com/productivity-workflows/automation-fixes/google-sheets-plus-scripts/create-workflow-auto-sort-tasks/), which can help you focus on what truly matters.

This process might take about an hour, but it can improve your focus later on.

2. Identify Key Areas of Focus

Focusing in the midst of life’s disorder is not just helpful; it is necessary for personal strength.

When Jane was diagnosed with cancer, she understood that focusing on her health and strengthening her family relationships were important.

She started writing in a journal every day to reflect on her treatment and emotions, which made her feel calmer. Joining local cancer support groups provided her with a sense of belonging and useful resources.

Jane used apps like MyFitnessPal to monitor her nutrition, which helped her keep a healthy diet during her treatment. By identifying these key areas, she changed her mindset from fear to strength, turning her experience into one of determination and optimism.

3. Set Clear Goals for Each Area

Goals that are clearly defined serve as roadmaps to achieving our desired outcomes.

Using the SMART method helps you set clear goals. For example, instead of saying “I want to save money,” a SMART goal would be, “I will save $5,000 for a vacation by December 2024 by saving $200 each month.” This straightforward approach keeps you focused and accountable.

Think about unclear goals like “I want to get fit” compared to specific ones like “I will run a 5K in under 30 minutes by training three times a week for eight weeks.” The specific goal gives clear steps to follow, which helps keep you motivated and makes it easier to track your progress.

4. Develop a Daily Routine

A consistent daily schedule can greatly improve how you manage your time and your overall health.

It’s essential to avoid common pitfalls in developing routines that can hinder your progress. For instance, over-scheduling can lead to burnout; instead, include flexible time blocks for spontaneous activities or breaks.

Skipping self-care is a common mistake. Make sure you set aside time for exercise, relaxation, and activities you enjoy. To help maintain motivation, consider utilizing tools like AI fitness nudges, which can provide daily encouragement and reminders, as detailed in Fixed: I Couldn’t Stay Motivated-AI Sends Me Daily Fitness Nudges.

Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment, so begin with small, achievable tasks and slowly add more challenging elements to your routine.

By being mindful of these factors, you can create a balanced and effective daily structure.

5. Implement Time Management Techniques

Effective time management isn’t just about allocating hours; it’s about maximizing impact in areas that matter.

To prioritize tasks effectively, consider using the Eisenhower Matrix. This method divides tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance:

1. Urgent & Important: Act immediately (e.g., project deadlines).
2. Important, Not Urgent: Schedule time for these tasks (e.g., strategic planning).
3. Urgent, Not Important: Delegate if possible (e.g., interruptions).
4. Not Urgent & Not Important: Eliminate these tasks (e.g., excessive meetings).

This organized method makes it clear what matters most and helps you focus your effort on activities that produce real outcomes.

6. Reflect on Progress Regularly

Tracking your progress is important for staying on track with your goals, especially after major changes in your life.

Consider Sarah, who recently moved from a corporate position to freelancing. She uses Trello to manage her tasks and Toggl to keep track of the hours she can bill.

By regularly reviewing her weekly achievements, she identified that client work often distracted her from personal projects. This awareness led her to set stricter boundaries, ensuring she dedicates time to creative pursuits weekly.

Adjustments like these help manage priorities and maintain motivation, proving that consistent self-assessment can lead to more balanced life choices.

7. Adjust Goals as Necessary

Your goals may need to change based on different circumstances, so adjusting them is important for staying focused.

To change your goals successfully, first look at your current feelings. John Delony recommends keeping a journal to note your daily emotions and thoughts. This can help you identify where you feel stressed or uninterested.

Next, engage in structured reflection sessions weekly, allowing you to prioritize what’s most important at that moment. For instance, if family becomes more critical than work, recalibrate your daily schedule to reflect more family time.

Share these changes with your team or colleagues to build support and clarity.

8. Seek Support from Others

Focusing on personal goals can sometimes feel isolating, so finding support is very helpful.

Joining support groups can greatly improve your experience. Websites like Meetup and Facebook have specific groups for personal growth, allowing you to meet people with similar interests.

Consider utilizing counseling services, such as BetterHelp or Talkspace, which provide access to licensed professionals who can guide you through your goals.

Going to local workshops or seminars can help you meet new people. Look for events at community centers or universities. Connecting with others can reduce feelings of loneliness and give you encouragement and support as you work towards your goals.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

Small victories are important because they keep us motivated as we move forward.

Noticing and celebrating small achievements can greatly improve emotional health and stability.

If you want to lose weight, recognize achievements such as losing the first five pounds or finishing a week of workouts.

Tools like habit-tracking apps (e.g., Habitica or Streaks) can help you visualize these achievements.

Sharing your progress with friends or in support groups creates a sense of accountability and collective joy, reinforcing your commitment.

Over time, these small achievements build confidence, helping us accomplish larger goals.

10. How Do Daily Changes Affect Your Stability?

Did you know that daily fluctuations can significantly impact your emotional health and life balance?

To mitigate these fluctuations, consider integrating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. For example, starting your day with a 10-minute meditation can reduce stress and set a positive tone for the day.

Keeping a mood journal allows for reflection on your emotional patterns, helping you identify triggers. Tools like Headspace or Calm can guide your meditation sessions, while apps like Daylio make tracking your mood engaging and easy. Establishing a routine not only supports these practices but also offers numerous psychological benefits, as highlighted by WebMD. Consistently looking over your notes will help you create plans that support emotional stability.

11. Create a Vision Board

Creating a vision board is a powerful visual reminder of your life priorities and aspirations.

To make an effective vision board, gather materials like poster board, magazines, scissors, glue, and markers.

Start by defining clear goals for your career, health, and relationships. Then, gather images and phrases that represent your aspirations and arrange them on a board.

Effective boards usually feature clear images, such as pictures of dream jobs or travel destinations, along with affirmations like “I am successful.” This engaging approach motivates you and reinforces your commitment to these objectives.

12. Prioritize Self-Care Activities

When personal priorities shift, self-care can be forgotten, but it is important for long-term happiness.

To improve your emotional well-being, focus on self-care practices such as being mindful, engaging in physical exercise, and building social relationships.

For example, practicing mindfulness through daily meditation can reduce anxiety and improve focus-apps like Headspace or Calm provide guided sessions to help.

Doing physical activities like a 30-minute walk or yoga helps release endorphins, which can improve your mood. To make the most of your time, consider exploring our guide on free time activities that can enhance your self-care routine.

Building social connections can be accomplished by setting up regular meetings with friends, either online or face-to-face, creating a supportive network that strengthens emotional health.

13. Utilize Technology for Organization

Using technology can improve how well we handle our priorities.

1. Consider apps like Trello for visual task management, which allows you to organize projects using boards and cards.
2. Notion offers an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, tasks, and databases, streamlining your workflow.
3. For time tracking, tools like Toggl can help identify where your time goes, enabling better planning.
4. Google Calendar provides a sharing feature to sync schedules with your team, preventing overlaps and enhancing coordination.
5. By integrating these tools, you can create a more collaborative and efficient approach to achieving your goals.

14. Establish Boundaries with Time

Setting boundaries around time is essential for maintaining your priorities amidst a busy life.

To establish effective time boundaries, begin by identifying your core priorities-these may include work obligations, family time, or self-care activities.

Use tools such as Google Calendar to visually schedule your tasks, allocating specific time blocks for each priority. For instance, set aside two uninterrupted hours each morning for focused work, followed by a 30-minute break.

Communicate with others about your boundaries; for example, let colleagues know you are unavailable during your scheduled focus times.

By clearly defining and blocking your time, you can better manage your commitments.

15. Practice Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness is not just a trend; it can greatly improve your ability to prioritize tasks.

Practicing mindfulness can improve emotional well-being and increase concentration.

Start with mindful breathing: take five minutes to inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth.

Alternatively, practice body scanning; lie down and consciously relax each part of your body from head to toe.

Writing in a journal can be helpful. Take some time each day to share your thoughts and feelings, which can promote self-reflection.

Regularly doing this can help you clarify what matters most to you and lower your stress, making it easier to deal with emotional difficulties.

16. Evaluate Your Environment

The places we live can either support or pull us away from what matters-how well do you understand your surroundings?

To assess your environment effectively, consider the following checklist.

1. First, evaluate your physical space: is it cluttered or organized? An organized space can lead to improved focus.
2. Think about your social circle. Are the people in your life encouraging or exhausting? Being around supportive individuals helps you maintain a positive attitude.
3. Take regular breaks to improve your routines; stepping away from work can significantly boost your performance.
4. Observe these factors for a day and note what adjustments can improve your attention and output.

17. Learn to Say No

Are you overwhelmed? Learning to say no is essential for handling your responsibilities.

To improve this skill, begin by looking at what you are currently responsible for.

Use clear phrases to communicate your boundaries effectively. For instance, in a work context, you might say, ‘I appreciate the opportunity, but I’m unable to take on additional projects right now.’ In social situations, try, ‘Thank you for the invite, but I have plans that day.’

Setting personal guidelines-like limiting your commitments to one social event per week-can help manage your time better.

Practice these phrases to build confidence in your ability to say no gracefully.

18. Reassess Your Values Periodically

Values can evolve over time, especially during major life changes-how often do you reassess yours?

To effectively reassess your values, start by setting aside time for reflection. Consider using a journal or a structured worksheet.

Ask yourself questions such as:

• What aspects of my life give me the most satisfaction?
• What values do I believe in, and do they still matter to me?

You might also engage in meditation or mindfulness exercises to clarify your thoughts.

Think about your five most important values and look at the decisions you are making right now. This activity can help you find any mismatches and support you in making better choices moving forward.

How can you maintain stability over the long term?

Maintaining long-term stability requires careful planning and the ability to adjust as needed.

To handle shifting priorities effectively, follow a decision-making process that assesses options based on their alignment with your long-term goals.

Start by identifying your main goals, like ensuring financial security or growing your organization. Then, assess each possible choice by considering how it helps achieve these goals and if it allows for changes down the line.

Tools like SWOT analysis can be effective in this phase, helping to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats associated with each choice.

Regularly reviewing this structure can help build a mindset ready for different situations.

20. Engage in Continuous Learning

Staying open to learning helps you stay flexible and in tune with shifting needs.

To support your personal growth, think about using platforms such as:

• Coursera, which offers courses from prestigious universities;
• Skillshare, focused on creative skills with project-based learning;
• LinkedIn Learning, ideal for professional development with a vast library of business courses.

Using these resources helps you learn and connect with others who share your interests. Dedicating a few hours each week to courses can develop your skills and increase your confidence, allowing you to remain competitive in a changing job market.

21. Network with Like-Minded Individuals

Meeting people who think like you can offer fresh ideas and help you focus on what matters.

To effectively network, start by joining relevant online communities such as LinkedIn groups, industry forums, or social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit.

Join in by sharing your thoughts and asking questions. Think about going to webinars or local events. You can use websites like Meetup.com to find these gatherings.

When you connect with others, prioritize meaningful relationships; contact people whose work you appreciate. A direct message that shows real interest can spark important discussions and possible partnerships.

22. Document Your Journey

Every experience is different, and telling your story can teach important lessons and help others.

To effectively track your progress, consider maintaining a dedicated journal or digital log.

Begin by listing important events and experiences, noting what was successful and what was not.

Set a regular schedule for reflection, such as once a week or once a month, to review these notes.

Use tools like Trello for organization or a simple Google Doc for ease of access. For added structure, create sections for goals, challenges, and lessons learned.

This practice makes your path clearer and shows how you have developed over time.

23. Find Inspiration from Others

Looking to others for inspiration can spark new ideas and reinforce your priorities.

Look at people like Oprah Winfrey, who faced challenges in her early life and went on to create a successful media business. Her focus on education and helping others shapes the charitable work she does.

Nelson Mandela’s path from being imprisoned to becoming president shows his strength; his commitment to bringing people together changed the country.

Malala Yousafzai fought for girls’ education despite many challenges, demonstrating how having a strong goal can lead to significant change.

Each of these stories shows personal determination and reminds us to focus on what is truly important in our lives.

24. Maintain a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset is not just about optimism; it’s a powerful tool for achieving life balance.

To build a positive mindset, begin each day by saying affirmations like “I can achieve my goals and I deserve to be happy.” Include practices such as meditation or writing in a journal to think about good experiences.

Schedule daily gratitude moments-write down three things that made you smile or that you appreciate.

For practical tools, consider apps like Headspace for meditation or Day One for journaling. Consistency is key; aim for at least 10 minutes each day to reinforce a positive outlook and improve overall well-being.

25. Explore New Opportunities

You can find new chances by looking at areas you often ignore. Are you prepared to look for them?

To identify and evaluate new opportunities, start by figuring out what you enjoy and what causes you stress. For instance, if you feel nervous about public speaking but want to get better, think about joining a local Toastmasters group.

Next, do research by going to workshops or webinars in your area; websites like Eventbrite and Meetup can help you find them.

Think about your experiences: write in a journal to note your thoughts and feelings during this time. This will help you see which opportunities are most appealing to you. This method can open up new possibilities and may bring surprising benefits.

26. Revisit and Revise Your Routine

Routines can become stale-regularly revisiting and revising them keeps your priorities fresh and relevant.

To refresh your routines, begin with a monthly check-in. Find tasks that don’t fit your goals anymore, and use tools like Trello to organize and see your priorities clearly.

Next, gather feedback from colleagues or friends about what works and what doesn’t. Consider incorporating new habits, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to improve focus and productivity.

Change your schedule to fit the seasons or your changing tasks. By modifying your routine, you build a flexible system that grows along with you.

27. How Do You Measure Success in Your Priorities?

Defining success is subjective; how do you determine it in your life priorities?

Evaluating progress in personal goals can involve various metrics, both qualitative and quantitative.

Quantitative measures can involve tracking numbers like hours worked on a project or goals reached, giving clear targets. In contrast, qualitative measures look at personal development, such as improved confidence or better skills, which can be more difficult to evaluate.

Keeping a weekly journal of your thoughts and feelings can show you how your emotions change over time. By using this approach, you can better recognize your achievements and your personal development.

28. Embrace Change as a Constant

Change is always happening; how you respond to it can determine your way to finding stability.

One effective way to manage change is through flexible planning. For example, companies can use Trello for organizing projects visually or Asana for keeping track of tasks.

Setting goals every three months helps teams check their progress and adjust their plans when necessary. For example, a marketing team might shift from traditional ads to digital campaigns based on what they find out about their audience.

Holding regular feedback sessions and team reviews can build strength by encouraging continuous improvement, ensuring that progress remains steady and focused, even in uncertain times.

29. Foster Resilience in Your Approach

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing through adversity.

To build resilience, begin by using mindfulness methods like meditation or journaling. These practices can help you remain steady when facing challenges.

Participate in physical activities like yoga or Pilates, as they strengthen your body and improve your focus.

Another way is to set small, realistic goals that can make you feel successful. For example, promise yourself to read for ten minutes each day or go for a five-minute walk.

These clear actions help you create a strong base of strength, allowing you to tackle difficulties with assurance.

30. What Final Steps Can You Take for Lasting Change?

Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight-what steps can you implement today?

1. Start by identifying one specific area for improvement, such as daily exercise.

2. Set a realistic goal, like walking for 20 minutes each day.

3. Monitor your progress using habit-tracking apps such as Habitica or Strides.

4. Use your phone to remind yourself of your daily tasks.

5. Reach out to a friend for help and share the experience together.

6. Reflect weekly on your accomplishments-this will reinforce your commitment and adjust your goals as needed.

By following these practical steps, you can create lasting changes in your life.

31. Communicating Your Priorities

How effectively you communicate your priorities can greatly influence your relationships.

Speak openly and confidently to share what you need. For example, you can say, “I feel stressed when schedules are not shared ahead of time,” which helps prevent others from feeling blamed.

Listen carefully by repeating what the other person has said before you respond, ensuring you both understand each other.

Tools such as the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) method can help you express your feelings and needs without blaming others.

Talking regularly with family and friends can create an environment for honest conversation, making it easier to adjust personal boundaries when needed.

32. The Importance of Support Groups

Support groups can help people handle changes in their lives successfully.

For instance, groups focusing on specific transitions, like divorce or job loss, provide a safe space for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

Participants frequently say they feel less alone and more accepted, which can greatly improve their emotional health. According to a resource from the Mayo Clinic, support groups are effective in providing these connections.

Tools like Meetup can help locate local support groups, while platforms such as Facebook offer virtual communities.

Programs like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide structured support groups that are facilitated by trained leaders, creating a more supportive environment.

Joining these groups regularly can build strength and improve how you handle challenges.

33. The Role of Spirituality in Prioritization

Spirituality often informs our sense of purpose and influences our priorities.

Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, can clarify your values and goals.

Meditating for 10 minutes each day helps you reflect on your thoughts, allowing you to better understand what is important to you.

You can use journaling prompts such as:

• “What makes me happy?”
• “What do I want to give back?”

to clarify what matters most to you in life.

Reading spiritual books like the Bhagavad Gita or contemporary self-help guides provides advice that can connect with your experiences, encouraging you to act with greater intention.

34. The Impact of Family and Friends

Family and friends can be both a guiding light and a source of confusion when setting priorities.

To handle these challenges, begin by figuring out what matters most to you by keeping a journal. Write down three main areas you want to focus on:

1. Work
2. Health
3. Relationships

Next, communicate openly with family about your goals and the boundaries you need to maintain. For instance, if family dinners regularly conflict with your workout schedule, propose an alternative.

Use shared calendars like Google Calendar to clearly arrange events, so everyone can view and accept your plans. This approach helps minimize confusion and avoids scheduling conflicts.

35. How to Manage Emotional Overwhelm

Experiencing emotional overwhelm can derail even the best-laid plans-what strategies can help you regain control?

To manage overwhelming emotions, try techniques like grounding exercises, which can bring your focus back to the present.

For example, engage in the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.

Another effective method is journaling, where writing about your feelings can provide clarity and relief.

Consider using mindfulness apps like Headspace or Calm to guide you through meditation practices, helping to calm your mind and restore focus.

36. Finding Balance in Life

Finding balance in life takes continuous work and regular changes.

To evaluate and improve your life balance, consider applying these time management strategies.

1. Start by tracking how you spend your time for a week; tools like Toggl or RescueTime can help identify time sinks.
2. Next, prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, categorizing them into urgent and important.
3. Set clear and achievable goals by using the SMART guidelines to ensure they are realistic.
4. Review your progress each week. Consider what worked well and what didn’t, and adjust your approach to stay aligned with your values. This process can be challenging, especially when trying to balance deep work and administrative tasks (for insights on this, check out our solution for balancing deep work and admin tasks).