We live in a world where advertisements, social media posts, and constant notifications compete for our attention. Every day, something is trying to pull us toward itself—a message, a demand, a request, a distraction. At its root, this competition is not simply for our time, but for our awareness. Wherever our attention goes, our energy follows, and whatever receives our energy is “fed.”
So, ask yourself: What consistently attracts your attention? What pulls you away from the next‑level tasks that truly matter? When we allow these tugs to divert our focus, our capacity becomes strained and our energy diluted. Our internal battery begins to drain. We become weaker, less effective, and more scattered. Our spiritual light dims. Instead of nourishing our own projects and aspirations, we end up feeding everything and everyone else.
Dilution means spreading your attention so thinly that nothing meaningful is produced. It means constantly shifting paths and never arriving where you intended to go. It means losing the clarity that allows you to move forward with purpose.
Of course, life sometimes places us in circumstances where focusing entirely on our priorities isn’t possible. In these moments, diplomacy becomes essential. Some situations resolve naturally; others are resolved by your Creator in ways you could not have orchestrated yourself.
Consider the example of a Peruvian mother‑in‑law who demanded continual attention and interfered with the couple’s life. Although she lived in their home, her constant needs drained their energy and disrupted their ability to focus on their own priorities. Eventually, when she could no longer climb the stairs, she moved into a high‑end assisted living residence. The couple—though feeling guilt—finally had space to heal from stress and sickness and return to their own lives. Their priorities, once overshadowed, could now be reclaimed.
Next‑level growth requires the ability to prioritize. Here are three steps to help you set and maintain your priorities:
1. Determine your true priority
This may sound simple, but in a world of competing “calls,” it isn’t. Identify the one thing that matters most, followed by the second and third. Write them down if needed. Your priority is what you are truly meant to pursue—not the distracting appeals of others. When you name your priority clearly, you create an internal compass that guides your decisions.
2. Ignore appeals that don’t align
You may choose not to answer a call, respond to a text, or you may turn off notifications. You may set healthy boundaries. If unsure, ask: Does engaging with this feel energy‑enhancing or energy‑depleting? Will this uplevel me or bring me down? If guilt arises, process it gently—then move forward. You are not guilty for meeting your own needs. You are responsible for stewarding your energy wisely.
3. Turn your attention toward your priority
When step 2 is practiced, step 3 follows naturally. You reclaim the time and energy needed to engage in what will truly move you forward, uplevel you, and help you reach your goals. It feels good to write the blog post, complete the project, or engage creatively with life. Focus becomes a source of empowerment rather than pressure.
Creativity emerges when we maintain healthy ego boundaries, feel connected to our Creator, understand our purpose, and set priorities—even if imperfectly. Diplomacy helps us navigate the circumstances that challenge our focus. When we honour our priorities, we honour the life we were created to live.
Let’s take it to the next level—together.
Luba
Luba Rascheff is a chaplain and certified spiritual life coach in Toronto, Ontario. Book an appointment here.
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