PRIORITIZING ALIGNMENT BY KATIE WALTER

I’ve always loved to read. As a kid, I prioritized reading over playing outside, watching TV, and even paying attention in class. When I started college I felt like I didn’t have time to read anymore. There was always too much homework, track practices were too long, and the hours too short. The natural pull I’ve always felt toward books became stronger until I began prioritizing reading again.

I often get comments like “how do you have time to read so much” or “I wish I had as much free time to read as you.” These comments make me both mad and sad. It makes me mad that people think I’m not busy because I spend time reading, or that there aren’t a million other things I could or should be doing. But I also feel sad for the person who thinks they don’t have time to do the things they love.

I am more in line with my personal vision when I prioritize the things I love to do over obligations I should do. When I’m in alignment with my vision, I’m by default more effective in the things I’m not as passionate about. When I spend the morning reading a book I love, I’m 10x more energized about the tax memo I have to write. It is my hope that other people start to prioritize the things they love so that they are more energized in everything they do.