Finding alignment through your non-negotiables
Photo by Jake Ingle on Unsplash
We all have them but rarely take the time to identify exactly what they are…
What’s on your list of non-negotiables?
Start by putting any judgement aside for a moment. Just list off what immediately comes to mind for you personally.
For example, being available to walk my youngest daughter to and from school each day is on my list. I did the same with my oldest daughter until she became too “cool” to walk with her dad.
To make those walks possible, I start my work day at 9am and end at 2:30pm on school days.
Now you’re probably thinking ‘how nice and privileged for you Brian!’ and you would be 100% correct. However, I share this specific example to highlight the following…
Everyone’s non-negotiables are unique and different.
Resist the urge to compare your list to others.
Remember that concessions elsewhere are likely to be required.
For example, I offer evening appointments after dinner a few weeknights each week. While I’d rather have those evenings free and clear, that’s a tradeoff I’m willing to make right now to prioritize walking her to and from school each day.
Here’s why getting clear on what your own list of non-negotiables is a real unlock:
When you’re clear on your non-negotiables, you can start to intentionally build your life out around them.
Tradeoffs will be required — but they’re also much easier to make when you’ve attached them to your specific list of non-negotiables.
The more you practice this approach, the quicker you’ll start living more intentionally. And the more intentional you become, you’ll create more alignment in your life by putting your time, energy, and financial resources to work in service of what uniquely matters most to you.