"Action expresses priorities." - Mahatma Gandhi

With only 24 hours in a day and one life, you have to set your priorities right. Otherwise, you'll find yourself ineffective, getting into other people's games of life, and suffering from physical or mental pain.

To put order and balance in your life, you need to know what are the most important people and tasks that require the most attention and given top preference. Perhaps, you should drop off from your list certain people, responsibilities and things that drain your time and energy.

• Knowing your goals and values.

You need to know your life goals and they should correlate around your values. You can then make more effective use of your time when you know how, what and with whom to spend it for the best results. Clearly drawn goals still allow for flexibility when unscheduled issues and unexpected demands surface but you will know when not to compromise. Review them regularly to keep yourself focused.

• Doing the most important thing first.

Many tasks are important but some have to get done in a day while some others have to be completed in a week or a month.

The solution is to write and break down your tasks and activities and doing the most important thing first especially when your energy is at its peak. Accomplishing this gives a personal satisfaction and reinforces your self-esteem.

• Reordering.

Just like your personal values, you may need to reorder when things aren't moving you in the right direction. Some things, activities or people were of greater importance and rank high at one time but you may realize that you have changed and so are your preferences.

• Review your life and involvement.

Regardless of what your goal in life is, your number one precedence should focus on your personal growth. When you improve, everything and everyone around you become better.

Regular personal review period is necessary. You can do two things. Keep an activity journal and examine how you are using your time. The next thing is to seriously question your actions and find out what you actually demand from yourself.

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