Ever feel like you're juggling way too many things all at once? If your life sometimes feels like a chaotic circus act, you’re definitely not alone. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush, trying to do everything, and then feeling like you’re not really excelling at anything. I get it. We all want to live a life that feels effective, meaningful, and, well, good. But how do we get there when there are so many demands on our time and energy?
The secret often lies in figuring out what truly matters – our priorities. When we’re clear on those, making decisions becomes simpler. Life starts to feel less like a frantic sprint and more like a purposeful walk. Here at GoodExistence.com, we're all about finding practical ways to build that better life. Stephen Montagne, our founder, often shares how defining his priorities was crucial. It helped him overcome habits like binge eating and excessive gaming. It guided him in losing over 110 pounds. It was key to building a productive routine that didn't mean working endless hours. And it deepened his connection with his faith, bringing a profound sense of purpose.
To help you find your own clarity, I’ve gathered 25 priority quotes. These aren't just fancy words. They are little nuggets of wisdom that can spark big changes if you let them. Let’s dive in.
Finding Your Focus: What Really Matters?
It's easy to get sidetracked. These quotes remind us to identify and stick to what's genuinely important.
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"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." – Stephen Covey
This is a classic for a reason. Identify your top priority and fiercely protect it from distractions. For Stephen, his "main thing" became his health and faith. Everything else had to support that. -
"If it’s a priority you’ll find a way. If it isn’t you’ll find an excuse." – Jim Rohn
Ouch, this one stings a little because it’s true. Our actions reveal our real priorities. What are yours pointing to? -
"Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important." – Stephen Covey
Learn to tell the difference. Important tasks move you towards your goals. Urgent tasks just demand immediate attention. -
"You don't get results by focusing on results. You get results by focusing on the actions that produce results." – Mike Hawkins
Shift your focus from the outcome to the daily steps. Small, consistent actions build momentum. -
"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." – Stephen Covey
Don't just hope you'll find time for what matters. Block out time for it in your calendar like any other important appointment.
Taking Action: From Knowing to Doing
Understanding priorities is one thing. Acting on them is another. These quotes encourage that first, often hardest, step.
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"The path to success is to take massive, determined action." – Tony Robbins
Don't just dip your toe in. When you know what you want, go for it with conviction. -
"Action is the foundational key to all success." – Pablo Picasso
You can plan and dream all day, but nothing happens without action. Stephen knew he had to do something different to break his old cycles. -
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." – Walt Disney
Less talk, more action. It's a simple formula that works wonders. -
"A year from now you will wish you had started today." – Karen Lamb
Think about it. Don't let another year pass by with the same regrets. Start now, even if it's small. -
"Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves." – Dale Carnegie
Tackle your most important or challenging task early. This builds momentum and reduces procrastination. Stephen found that focusing on a few hours of deep work early in his day made a huge difference.
Building Resilience: Bouncing Back Stronger
Life throws curveballs. True effectiveness comes from how we handle setbacks and keep moving forward.
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"It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up." – Vince Lombardi
Everyone faces challenges. Resilience is about getting back on your feet, learning, and trying again. -
"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Failure isn't final. It's feedback. Each time Stephen slipped back into old habits, he didn't quit. He got up and recommitted. -
"Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems." – Gever Tulley
Embrace challenges as opportunities to build your inner strength. You are stronger than you think. -
"The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance." – Jodi Picoult
You can handle more than you imagine. Trust your ability to adapt and overcome. -
"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go." – Carol Burnett
Hold onto your vision, especially when things get tough. Let it pull you forward.
Well-being and Balance: Nurturing Yourself
Effective living isn't just about achievement. It's also about taking care of your mind, body, and spirit.
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"Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live." – Jim Rohn
Your health is your foundation. Stephen’s 110-pound weight loss journey wasn't just about looking better. It was about feeling better and having more energy for life. -
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." – Anne Lamott
Rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Don't be afraid to step back and recharge. -
"Gratitude turns what we have into enough." – Anonymous
Practicing daily gratitude, like Stephen does, shifts your perspective. It helps you appreciate the small wins and the good things already in your life. -
"Balance is not something you find, it's something you create." – Jana Kingsford
Don't wait for life to magically balance itself. Actively make choices that support your well-being. -
"Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what's left of you." – Katie Reed
When you prioritize your own needs, you have more to give to others and your goals.
Living with Purpose: Connecting to Something Bigger
Ultimately, effective living feels most fulfilling when it’s aligned with a deeper sense of purpose.
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"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seek meaning beyond personal pleasure. How can you contribute and make a positive impact? -
"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." – Friedrich Nietzsche
Your 'why' is your driving force. For Stephen, strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith gave him a powerful why, a foundation that helped him navigate challenges and find meaning. -
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work." – Steve Jobs
Align your daily efforts with what you find meaningful. This brings a sense of satisfaction that goes beyond a paycheck. -
"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." – Mark Twain
Exploring your purpose is an ongoing journey. Stay curious and open. -
"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." – Oscar Wilde
Don't just exist. Truly live. Make conscious choices. Pursue what lights you up. Engage fully with your life.
Your Turn
Wow, that's a lot to take in! But hopefully, among these 25 quotes, a few have really spoken to you. Living effectively isn't about a massive overhaul overnight. It’s about small, consistent shifts in how you think and what you do. It’s about choosing your priorities and then living by them, one day at a time.
Stephen’s journey from unhealthy habits to a balanced, purposeful life wasn't a straight line. It was filled with small wins, moments of gratitude, and a deepening connection to what truly mattered to him. Your journey will be unique too.
So, here’s a little something to think about: Which one of these quotes resonated with you the most today? And what’s one tiny step you can take this week to bring that quote to life?
You’ve got this. We’re cheering you on.
