Step Three: Sift, Prioritize & Analyze

“Success is only another form of failure if we forget where our priorities should be.”
--Harry Lloyd

In step two, we suggested you create a “want list” broken down into specific categories. You should now have a good sized list. The next step is to go through and prioritize that list, ensuring that your most desired wants are the ones you focus on.

Because I’m such a visual person, when I have a list to sort through, I like to use index cards. To do this, transfer a key point (something that identifies that want clearly to you) from every want in every category onto an index card, label it with its category on the back side, and then start sorting. First, prioritize the categories themselves; put them in order from most important to you, to least important to you. Secondly, sort each want in each category hierarchically from most desired to least desired. When you finish, you should have several piles of index cards laid out in front of you from most important to least important, and each of those piles should have your wants prioritized from most wanted to least.

Lastly, double check yourself. Take the top two wants from the top three categories, and sort those into hierarchical order from most wanted to least wanted. This should determine that these six wants are truly your top six. Don’t worry about whether or not you believe any of your wants are feasible right now. If they evoke a very strong desire, make them a priority.

Now narrow these down to your top three wants. Three (four at the most) is the magic number for realistic and focused action. Any more than that leads to a refraction of energy, and makes it more difficult to give any of them the right amount of focus.

Once you have your top three wants identified, go back to your earlier work on your values and strengths, and start identifying how these wants relate to your values, and how your intrinsic strengths can help you achieve them. Make notes in your notebook.

(If you’re struggling with this, it’s a great time to bring in a coach or a friend who has good insight to help you walk through this step.)

This exercise forms the basis for the strategic plan that will bring you to a life of vitality and intention.

For more information or detail about this exercise, feel free to e-mail me, or view my website.

Enjoy the process!