Get Your Priorities in Order: Focus on What Truly Matters

The First Step to Getting Your Life in Order

When I was younger, I often found myself caught up in the pursuit of things that didn’t matter. I spent my time and energy on trying to impress people who didn’t really matter to my future, focusing on material possessions and fleeting pleasures, rather than building the foundations for a meaningful life. If I’m honest, I spent too many years chasing things that, in hindsight, were distractions from what really mattered. It wasn’t until later in life that I truly understood the importance of getting my priorities in order.

One of the biggest regrets I have to this day is not spending more time with my mother before she passed. I was 27 when she passed away, and while I had a loving relationship with her, I now realize how much more time I could have given her. Instead of being fully present with her, I was focused on the wrong things: trying to impress people who were just as broke as I was, spending money on a car I didn’t need, and working in a job that wasn’t aligned with my true purpose.

Looking back, I wish I hadn’t spent so much time on things that ultimately didn’t matter. I spent money on a car wash every weekend, obsessed over appearances, and tried to climb the corporate ladder in a job that wasn’t going to lead me to a career I loved. I should have been investing in assets, in my future, in skills that would serve me long term. I should have started building a business earlier, focused on my growth, and spent more time with the people I loved. But above all, I should have been living for God, aligning my actions with a higher purpose rather than with the expectations of others.

Step 1: Identify What Truly Matters

The first step in getting your life in order is to identify what truly matters. What do you want to be remembered for? What do you want your legacy to be? The things we prioritize often reflect what we value most in life. If your actions are driven by the desire to impress others or accumulate material wealth, you might be overlooking the deeper, more fulfilling aspects of life—things that build long-term happiness and success.

For me, I wasted so much time focusing on the opinions of others. I bought things I didn’t need and kept up with trends just to fit in. But these things didn’t bring me lasting happiness. They didn’t help me grow as a person or get closer to what I truly wanted in life. Instead, they distracted me from the relationships and experiences that would have brought me true fulfillment.

Step 2: Refocus Your Time and Energy

Once you’ve identified what truly matters, the next step is to refocus your time and energy on those things. For me, it meant letting go of things I thought were important but weren’t aligned with my long-term goals. I had to stop caring about impressing people who didn’t serve my purpose and begin investing in things that would help me grow and build a future I could be proud of.

The key is to redirect your focus away from distractions and towards meaningful goals. Instead of spending money on things that depreciate, start investing in things that will appreciate—like assets, education, and personal growth. Instead of pouring all your energy into a job that doesn’t fulfill you, start thinking about building something of your own. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. Start small, but start now. Building a business, developing a skill, or nurturing your relationships doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s the work that truly matters.

Step 3: Embrace the Things That Bring True Fulfillment

As I reflect on my life, I realize that true fulfillment comes not from things, but from relationships, experiences, and purpose. If I could go back, I would have spent more time with my loved ones, especially my mother. I would have told her more often how much I appreciated her and the wisdom she shared with me. I would have embraced my role as a son and cherished our time together, rather than getting caught up in trying to prove myself to others.

In the same way, you must prioritize the things that bring you true fulfillment. Invest in the people who matter, build relationships that will lift you up, and pursue goals that align with your deepest values. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make these changes in your life. Start now, while you still have the time and the opportunity to make a difference.

Step 4: Live with Purpose

The ultimate lesson I’ve learned is that living with purpose is the key to true success. It’s not about the material things you accumulate or the titles you achieve. It’s about living in alignment with your values and serving a higher purpose. For me, this means living for God and aligning my actions with the lessons I’ve learned from Him. When I focus on service, growth, and building with purpose, I find fulfillment beyond measure.

As you get your life in order, remember that the goal isn’t to fill your life with distractions or to chase temporary pleasures. The goal is to live with purpose, to focus on what truly matters, and to build a life that you can be proud of. It’s about investing in the things that will help you grow, serve others, and build a lasting legacy.

Conclusion: Start Now

If you’re reading this and feel like you’ve been wasting time on things that don’t matter, it’s never too late to refocus your priorities. It starts with the decision to stop chasing distractions and to focus on what truly matters. Take the time to invest in yourself, your relationships, and your purpose. Build something that will last, serve others with all your heart, and grow into the person you were meant to be.

I look back on my journey and wish I had made these changes earlier. But I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and for the opportunity to share them with you. Life is short, and we only get one shot at it. Make it count. Start by getting your priorities in order, focusing on what matters most, and building the life you truly want to live.

Stay true to yourself, keep building, keep serving, and never stop growing.