How would others define your priorities?

#NotRhetorical

Photo by Behnam Norouzi on Unsplash

Years ago I did an exercise.

Part personal brand exploration; part curiosity around how I was showing up in the world.

I asked the most brutally honest person I knew (my then 6 year old) what three words she would use to describe me.

After careful consideration she wrote the below:

Did I choose a potentially biased human?
Probably.

Yet thinking about that exchange led me to consider posing the same sort of question to friends, or family, or FRP *today*.

If you spent a day or two observing my actions what would *you* identify as my priorities?

I like to think my daily-actions match what I claim to be important to me:

• wake, gratitude, meditate, coffee

• work work work (because I absolutely positively prioritize paying those bills)

• ambulando with a friend

• work work work

• lift like lightning

• family time

• read (or more likely) TV

Being thankful, working on mindset, community, making an impact, strength, connection, a wind-down routine like a toddler.

Here’s the thing though, as I created the list of what *really* happens each day it doesn’t quite match what I tell myself are my priorities.

• Where’s the volunteering/community *building*? (I like to think it’s weekly—it’s not)

• Where’s the growth/learning? (my entire existence can feel like a learning experience—it’s no excuse)

Perception is defined by three mirrors; the first mirror is how you see yourself, the second mirror is how others perceive you and, the third mirror is the truth. - ancient proverb

Then, as I envisioned someone else watching as I navigate my day and noting what choices I make when pulled between options, I considered what patterns emerged.

I thought about what truths might surface.

They’d likely spot my regular rhythms yet beyond the clear, calendar’y schedule, I’d venture to guess they'd notice choices I consistently make which I’m too close to, at times, to realize I’m making:

Do I prioritize finishing work over family time?

Do I decline invitations because I’m ‘not feeling like it’ when I know the connection would make me…feel like it?

Am I working too close to sleep at night and skipping self-care rituals?

👉 Mapping our priorities builds a bridge to our Future Selves

As humans we frequently frame our priorities as only aspirations, not realities. But here's the thing: our daily activities are the blank page where our *real* priorities are written.

It's not what we say; it's what we do.

Sure, we may dream of a FS who prioritizes health, habits and community, but if our current actions don't align we are never, ever building that bridge.

#RealTalk

What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I encourage you to join me and engage in a reflective conversation with one of *your* Front Row Humans. Someone who's witnessed your journey and can offer a fresh perspective.

Get vulnerable.

Show them this article and ask them to share observations around what they perceive your current priorities to be.

By comparing their insights with our perceptions/aspirations, we gain valuable clarity empowering us to make aligned choices and move closer to our Future Self goals.

Remember, acknowledging our priorities as they look *today* isn't admitting defeat—it's owning where we stand and committing to charting a course to where we want to be.

Now you.

Easy question:

Who will you enlist to be part of your Future Self Creation Team?

#NotRhetorical