The most important thing is to remember the most important thing

The most important thing is to remember the most important thing

Many of us know what we could or should do live happier and better lives.

But many of us also know that our happiness and success is often reduced by … distractions.

There are so many matters and issues and people, calling for our attention, but giving our attention is NOT necessarily the best thing if we’re wanting happiness and satisfaction.

So, how do we enjoy more happiness then? Well, a good start is to know what’s important, what’s REALLY important, and to stay focused on that …

via Psychology Today by Rick Hanson

KEY POINTS

  • Modern life is full of distractions. Keep what is important to you as your focus.
  • Make a sanctuary for what is important so other priorities will stay within reach.
  • Keep your purpose close to your heart.

Have you heard this saying?

“The most important thing is to remember the most important thing.”

What are the most important things to you? In your life as a whole? During a particular interaction with someone? Right this minute?

The most important things often get pushed to the sidelines. Urgent crowds are important. Modern life is full of distracting clamor, from text messages and emails to window displays in the mall. Other people tug at you with their priorities—which may not be your own. And it can feel scary to admit what really matters to you, tell others, and go after it for real: the fearful voices whisper in the back of the mind: What if you fail?

But if you don’t make a sanctuary for what is important, it will get overrun by the bermuda grass of B and C priorities.

The Practice

Know your purpose in life. Write it down in one word, phrase, or sentence. Really. The first time someone suggested I do this, I thought they were a little nuts. But then I opened up to a kind of knowledge of what matters most to me and wrote it down. It’s OK if it changes or if you don’t get the words just right at first. You can revise it later. Put it in positive terms and in the present tense; for example, “I am loving” is better than “I will stop getting so angry with people.” Say it out loud and see how it feels. Find words you connect with.

Keep your purpose close to your heart; it may feel sacred. If you speak of it, do so with self-respect, not self-doubt. And then, every day, as soon as you remember, recommit to your life’s purpose: rename it to yourself and give yourself over to it again…

… keep reading the full & original article HERE