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How I Prioritize My Life

From Rojie’s Daily Prompts – September 2026. Thanks Rojie!

I’ve recognized that, for whatever reason, I do not have a lot of mental bandwidth in life – for most things. I have, at best, a serviceable cable that can carry a nuanced degree of what I care about; family, friends, professional life and personal pursuits.

I have values in an abstract sense. But even those values are heavily influenced by the constraints in my physical life. For example, I like being nice and courteous and being attentive to people if they are trying to express something. But because I have a very limited amount of time, less than a handful of people – if any – can get my attention on any given day. I will simply avoid as many social engagements as I can after a certain personal threshold gets reached.

I also look for efficiency in the loosest sense possible. I prioritize outcomes that contribute to a generally good direction by how much effort I have to put into it in order to produce something. Basically, I’m always looking for the most bang for my buck. It’s not that I’m cheap in that sense it’s that I don’t have the desire to shoulder a certain amount of responsibilities and want to offload as much as I can to passive mechanisms or processes that require the least amount of steps as possible.

this little guy likes to drop in at least once or twice a year during the summer. always nice to see him and I hope he remains healthy and safe.

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32 responses to “How I Prioritize My Life”

  1. Lori Pohlman Avatar
    Lori Pohlman

    I like your practical outlook, Mike, and your little friend is lovely! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a turtle in those colors. 🧡

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      thank you Lori! it never occurred to me to look up the name of this little guy but apparently it is an Eastern Box Turtle!

      Reply
  2. Nancy Homlitas Avatar
    Nancy Homlitas

    I saw a turtle like this at Salt Fork State Park in SE Ohio on a trail. It was sunbathing. Turtles aren’t usually considered cute. But this type of land turtle is a cutie pie and definitely deserves a photo op! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      I’ve handled this funny little critter before when it was traversing out in the middle of my yard. I figure I’d give it a warp speed run to the other side of the fence lol. they are very beautiful creatures – Eastern Box Turtles, I’ve just researched right after I posted!

      Reply
  3. MJ🍸 Avatar
    MJ🍸

    Time is so valuable. Just like our energy. It’s good that you know your limits.
    And what a beautiful turtle! He should have a fancy name to match his fancy colors.
    Have a wonderful weekend, Mike!

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      thanks MJ! I researched it and found it to be called The Eastern Box Turtle. very beautiful creatures – but like you and me, they know their limits and operate accordingly within them! have a great weekend!

      Reply
  4. KikiFikar Avatar
    KikiFikar

    I just love your style and your words. They always climb into my brain and make me smile!! Love this. Love your turtle buddy. He’s so cute!

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      isn’t that turtle such a cute thing? it makes me smile to see him lumbering about every summer. I hope he is always ok. a
      and thank you for visiting – you know i’m always glad to see you!

      Reply
      1. KikiFikar Avatar
        KikiFikar

        ❤️❤️❤️

        Reply
  5. vermavkv Avatar
    vermavkv

    What a wonderfully honest and thought-provoking reflection! I really appreciate the way you describe mental bandwidth—something we all possess in limited supply, yet rarely acknowledge openly.

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      thank you Vijay! yes, I believe it is important to understand and work around one’s bandwidth in an honest way. too many time, we often sign ourselves up – meaning well – to obligations that may not be in the best service for our overall realities of life!

      Reply
  6. Trishikh Avatar
    Trishikh

    Priorities have a way of revealing what we truly value, often more honestly than our intentions do. I appreciate the practical and personal way this post looks at making room for what matters instead of simply trying to fit everything in.

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      hello Trishikh, you’ve hit the nail on the head. our priorities are truly what drive us, what incentivizes us. and in this world, it is vastly our incentives that create our mental systems. I wish I had room for more idealistic pursuits but in all honesty, it is for a certain type of person at a certain time of opportunity.

      thanks for commenting, for some reason yours did not show up on the page and I had to check my comments folder through the admin menu. forgive the delay in responding.

      Reply
  7. CJ Antichow Avatar
    CJ Antichow

    I like your “tell it like it is” honesty here Mike! And good for you!
    The turtle is really adorable 🥰

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      🙂 isn’t it such a photogenic turtle?? the only thing is that it’s small so I often find myself having to watch out for its unique shell if I’m using machinery in the yard!

      Reply
      1. CJ Antichow Avatar
        CJ Antichow

        Hi IS so photogenic yes! I’m happy you have the little creature living near you. There are definitely no turtles up here lol, not sure I’ve ever seen one in real life to be honest.

        Reply
  8. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Michael, I really appreciate your honesty! There’s such wisdom in recognizing your own bandwidth and choosing where your energy can be given with care and intention. That kind of self-awareness is a gift, not selfishness.

    And your little Eastern Box Turtle friend is absolutely beautiful! He’s a sweet reminder to move through life at our own natural pace! 🐢✨

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      i love the way you put it Betty! there’s absolutely a freedom in accepting and moving at our own pace. i bet that little turtle is happy just doing what he does 😀

      Reply
      1. Betty Avatar
        Betty

        There is real freedom in moving at our own pace—it truly alleviates stress and anxiety!

        Turtles are absolute masters of that slow, steady lifestyle. They never rush, they carry their comfort with them, and they are the perfect reminder that you don’t have to sprint through life to get where you’re going! Thanks for sharing the little guy!

        Reply
  9. justrojie Avatar
    justrojie

    i also like to stay at home and do nothing after my threshold has been met too! that turtle is hella cool btw

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      isn’t it so photogenic? the red eyes are the kicker for me!

      Reply
  10. ibarynt Avatar
    ibarynt

    Mike, only you can get away with bang for my buck and values in the same thought. I believe paying attention is a requirement and we can do so more wholeheartedly when we have the bandwidth and it doesn’t sap our energy. I like your practical approach.

    The turtle looks like its designed. You got lovely company.

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      isn’t he such a photogenic creature? lol I’m glad he/she stops by in the summer

      at this day and age Iba, so much demands our attention. i am in awe of parents like yourself that can patiently listen to your children while still maintaining a solid base of connection with the outside world! always keep up the good work Iba

      Reply
      1. ibarynt Avatar
        ibarynt

        Thankyou Mike for your kind words. You know I’m selective with the connection with the outside world. I also am aware I have to pay more attention with the kids as they’re growing, and I have to fight off all these distractions. Everyday I’ve to question myself, where can I be better and how can I be better when one is surrounded by a toxic environment.

        Reply
  11. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    slow and steady wins the race! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      😀 amen!

      Reply
  12. Kristen Reilly Avatar
    Kristen Reilly

    Honestly, I respect the self awareness. 😂. And honestly? Same here.
    At this stage of life, I’m less interested in doing everything and more interested in deciding what’s actually worth effort. I’m all for caring deeply…but selectively.
    But that turtle! So sweet

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      isn’t he/she such a camera ham? lol

      but yes, I really believe it is about being – not only selective – but being REALLY selective. that’s what keeps the day in balance.

      Reply
  13. Fairweather Walker Avatar
    Fairweather Walker

    I admire people who put their own desires and preferences on AT LEAST an equal footing with what others want/need and what our cultures demand. In my life it means being willing and able to withstand disapproval. I can do that. I’m worth it. Obviously you’ve got that figured out concerning your own time and inclinations, and to me it seems the only sensible way to live a full life.

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      I read a counterintuitive paper on social psychology and it said that people desire to be net receivers and that the directionally sound concept of interdependence is just that – directionally sound – but rarely 100% applicable without some type of implicit coercive force below the surface incentive.

      that’s why when I read your post today, it made me think about the relationship between social surface dynamics versus the incentives that underpin our lives.

      It sounds very much like a cop-out of the whole social scene but thinking of it in terms of bandwidth is the only way that I can reconcile the competing forces and have the sense – like you have – to be indifferent to applause or disappointment.

      but as you know, it does take a unique level of strength and intelligence to be willing to endure that kind of disapproval. but if we can’t defend our own sense of self, what is life except our existence having to endure someone’s unwanted strokes on our canvas?

      Reply
      1. Fairweather Walker Avatar
        Fairweather Walker

        Mike, YES!! I’m so OVER spending any of my time pleasing others instead of myself. This isn’t to say that I never fall victim to that weakness, because sometimes I do. But when it occurs I’m disappointed in myself, so I try not to let it happen. My friend Inez says it’s personally strengthening to do what others want instead of what you want, yourself; that it’s character-building. But I think I’ll decide for myself what kind of character I’m going to live with, and just hope I never regret it. You know: death bed scene, “wish I’d’ve been nicer.”

        Reply
  14. www.555329.com Avatar
    www.555329.com

    An Engaging Blog Post

    Reply

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