Don’t Lose Sight

Airports all around the globe consistently deliver an automated message that reminds travelers “to not leave bags unattended.” While the intention of this message is primarily for security purposes, it’s a subtle reminder that if bags are even momentarily left unmonitored, they can be quickly confiscated. Thus, most travelers don’t leave their bags behind. Because they understand the inherent risks.

Much like risks are present if we leave our bags behind, those same risks exist in other areas of life too. If you’re a parent, for instance, it’s likely that you rarely, if ever, let your child out of sight  in their infancy years for fear that they could be subject to harm.

As such, it’s evident that we are aware of the importance of keeping things in plain sight. We will work tirelessly to ensure the items that mean the most to us, are well taken care of. Which is great!

Unfortunately, however, we so often lose sight of other things that may not (tangibly) seem as impactful, but are actually quite important too. Things like our goals, our purpose, our family, our dreams, our health, etc. These items are easier to lose sight of, because there’s often not an immediate “consequence” for losing them. We don’t feel pain in the moment. But the pain stacks over time. Which is why this week, coming off the beginning of the new year, the challenge is to be deliberate about identifying what’s most important in your life and designing a system or practice to ensure that you do not lose sight of it!

The challenge: don’t lose sight!

To help in completing this challenge, you may consider simply asking:

“What’s most important to me?”

Then, write down everything that is actually most important to you. Not the politically correct answer of what you think society would want you to say, but what is that’s genuinely most important to you. Is it your faith? Your family? Your health? Your relationships? Your financials?

Of course, it’s likely a combination of varying things. And that’s ok. The goal is to identify the most significant 5-10, and then choose to identify ways that you can keep these items front and center more often so that you do not deviate away from them when times may get busy and/or difficult.

As an example, if you’re working to get you and your family out of debt, you may find it helpful to post your financial goal on your bathroom mirror so you can see it every morning and every evening to ensure that you do not lose sight of this pursuit. Let it be there to call you out, moment after moment. Allow it to be a guide, a reminder, a “sight” that keeps your focus central.

If you’re wanting to spend more time with family this year, you have to keep that in sight too. Place their pictures on your work desk or put a photo on your phone background. Or, create a day each week that is designated for your family only. Then, commit to it no matter what.

If you’re pursuing a big goal or dream, consider writing down a motivational type statement, or short phrase that you can carry with you in your pocket as you navigate your day. When times get tough, pull it out and read it multiple times.

The goal this week is simple: keep things in sight! Just like you run the risk of losing your airport bags when you  leave them unoccupied, the same is true for everything in your life. If it’s not getting attention, or isn’t visible, it’s easy to lose.

Promise yourself that this will be the week where you commit to you, and what’s most important to you.

Have a great week of keeping things in sight!