I venture to say that most of us have our personal priorities, things about which we’re not only particular but also habitual, things that matter to us so deeply (though not necessarily so importantly) that we’d be at a loss to know precisely why they are so, things of prime concern and precedence. On occasion the pressing matter is illustrative more of obsession than imperative. Maybe there are routines which must be performed each morning to initiate the start of the day, the beginning of another realm of unfolding discovery.

Putting things in apple pie order is by no means critical to life’s pioneering. Very often the commotion amounts to nothing more than dusting or rearranging the furniture; that is, superfluous absorption indicative of compulsion rather than care. Yet the accommodation of these priorities is at times as relieving as a welcome bowel movement. They afford a clarity to existence, a token but meaningful improvement of overall affairs. A fresh introduction to what follows!

For some people, setting priorities constitutes what they perceive to be a difficulty.  It may for example signal a problem addressing a persistent obstruction. Others seemingly require the addressing of priorities as source of accomplishment and reward. And for others priority descends to no more than unwitting routine.

There have been some heady things said about priorities.

From my experience, the best advisors help in three ways: encourage you to look at the problem or opportunity from multiple angles; help you balance the tug of the short-term with important long-term priorities; and ask the tough questions you need to know to reach the best solution.

Margo Georgiadis

And there have been some less heady thing said about priorities.

Having children really changes your priorities.

Cindy Crawford

Whether priorities are elemental is a matter of consideration. It is however a confusing analysis, perhaps even circular.  The suggestion that we devote ourselves to what matters is hardly the revelation of priority. Is it the loudest detail? Or is it the most familial issue? It is impossible to insist upon a native priority without capturing other supervening priorities. Most likely the priorities for one person are no more than picayune detail for another.

Yet, what if we did not have priorities?  Would we be in any worse position than those who do? We all acknowledge that having priorities does not ensure achievement of them. The frequency of change in life also acts against the imperative of priority. Certainly we must ultimately act from one motivation of another. Beyond the visceral demands of food and shelter, we confront an extremely broad perspective. Setting priorities within that sphere of reflection is a challenge. Nonetheless most of us persist to have our priorities.