This article is one of mankind’s mistakes proposed by Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC-43BC) entitled “The Six Mistakes of Man”.
I believe that these ‘mistakes’ are as common today as they were over 2000 years ago and I am sure that you will notice parts of you that participate in these mistakes.
Mankind’s Mistake #4 is “Refusing to set aside trivial preferences”.
Life is full of distractions. Every second of your life you are confronted with choices. Do you go right or left, stop or go, say yes or no and a myriad of other options. These choices are critically important and have an impact on the rest of your life.
Steven Covey said it this way. “Keep in mind that you are always saying ‘no’ to something. If it isn’t to the apparent, urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things. Even when the urgent is good, the good can keep you from your best, keep you from your unique contribution, if you let it.” — Stephen Covey
The trivial often comes disguised as urgent or important and it is usually someone else’s agenda for you. Be wary of the trivial preferences you consume yourself with in your inbox or social media accounts, your deviations from the clinical outcomes you have for your practice members or your commitment to your relationships to name a few.
You have absolute freedom to choose the order and priority of your actions every moment of your life.
Your guide to your decision on your preferences is your purpose, outcomes, goals, strategies and plans. This is true in no matter what context. It could be adjusting someone, catching a wave, hitting a tennis ball or having coffee with a friend. If referenced, these decide every action of your life. If ignored, every bright and shiny object that crosses your path defines your life.
It’s your choice.
