When Life Shifts: How to Redefine Your Priorities
Priority: A Simple Word with a Powerful Meaning
“Priority” — something regarded as more important than another.
But how do we actually decide what our priorities are? And how can we tell if our daily actions truly reflect them?
Years ago, a mentor once told me:
“Your actions will dictate what your priorities are.”
At the time, I understood this only on a surface level. If you do something every day, it must be a priority. But saying something is important doesn’t make it one — only your consistent actions prove that it truly matters to you.
True priorities are not defined by your words — they’re revealed by your habits.
When Priorities Shift: My 2017 Wake-Up Call
In 2017, I visited my long-time fitness coach — the same coach who guided me through three years of CrossFit competitions. The visit wasn’t for training this time; it was to collaborate on a coaching education project for Functional Bodybuilding.
When I told him, “I haven’t been here in over a year,”
he simply replied, “Yep, competing in fitness just isn’t your priority anymore.”
That comment hit me hard. At that time, I still saw myself as a competitive athlete. But deep down, I knew he was right. My life had changed — my wife and I had just welcomed our first baby girl, I had sold my business, started another, and bought our first home.
Family and coaching had quietly taken center stage. Competing was no longer the priority — and that was okay.
When the World Stopped: A 2020 Reflection
Fast forward to 2020 — the world was in lockdown. COVID-19 changed everything.
Suddenly, everyone’s priorities shifted overnight. For some, health and fitness took a back seat; for others, they became lifelines.
As a health and fitness professional, I noticed something:
People’s actions — not their intentions — revealed their true priorities.
Some stopped working out completely. Others started exercising more. Some discovered new ways to connect with loved ones. Many found themselves reassessing everything: family, health, work, and time.
And that’s when it hit me again:
Our priorities always adapt to our circumstances — and that’s not a failure, it’s growth.
This Is Not Judgment Time
When life turns upside down, priorities shift naturally.
If you used to hit the gym daily but now struggle to work out at home — that’s okay.
If you’re eating more snacks or binge-watching Netflix — that’s okay, too.
We’re all experiencing a collective grieving process — and grief shows up in many forms:
Denial: “This isn’t happening.”
Frustration: “Why is this happening to me?”
Bargaining: “Just two weeks, then it’s back to normal.”
Sadness: “Will this ever end?”
Acceptance: “Okay, this is my new normal.”
So give yourself permission to breathe. Let go of perfection. Take care of yourself however you need to right now.
What Are Your Actions Saying About You?
Instead of judgment, practice observation.
What are you doing every day without fail?
What have you let go of?
Where are you putting your time and energy?
Even in hard times, new priorities often emerge. I’ve seen positive trends like:
Relationships & Communication: Families reconnecting over video calls.
Creativity: More people expressing themselves online through art, music, and storytelling.
And yes, some things have slipped:
Movement Motivation: Harder to work out without the gym community.
Nutrition Quality: More comfort food, less mindful eating.
Sleep: Late nights, longer Netflix sessions.
It’s okay. Awareness is the first step toward balance.
Get Curious — Not Critical
When you notice where your time goes, ask why.
These questions can help you uncover your deeper motivations:
Why do I exercise?
What do I really value about being healthy?
Why do I want quality sleep?
What’s the real reason I care about how I look?
If no one ever saw my body again, would I still train this hard?
Asking questions from a place of curiosity (not guilt) leads to growth and clarity.
Moving Forward: Redefining What Truly Matters
In the months that followed the pandemic, I began to realize that many of the things I used to stress
about — the ones that once seemed so urgent — didn’t actually matter that much.
But the things I had always done — connecting, creating, moving, being present with my family — those are what continue to define my sense of purpose.
Maybe the same is true for you.
So, as life continues to evolve, take a moment to reflect:
What’s worth keeping?
What’s worth letting go?
What deserves more of your attention moving forward?
Because your priorities shape your future — and your actions will always tell the truth about what they are.
Join the Conversation
What priorities have shifted for you lately?
How have you adjusted your health, relationships, or routines?
Share your story in the comments — your reflections might just inspire someone else to redefine what truly matters.
