BIG GIRL TIME

There are seasons of life where everything feels important.
Every task feels urgent.
Every message feels like it needs a response now.
Every responsibility feels like it’s tied to something bigger.

And honestly? That’s been my life for a while now.

One thing I’ve learned, especially through my current job, my faith, and just growing up, is this:

“Not all tasks are equal, even if they all feel loud.” — Kimaya

That sentence alone could save me from a lot of unnecessary stress.

How I Decide What Comes First

When I’m prioritizing, I’m not just looking at what needs to be done. I’m looking at how, when, and who it impacts.

Some of the main things I consider:

• Urgency – What has an actual deadline?
• Timing – What needs to be done now versus what can be worked on slowly?
• Size of the task – Is this a quick win or a deep-focus assignment?
• Impact – Who is affected if this doesn’t get done on time?

Because here’s the thing: if everything is treated like a fire, you burn out fast.

My Work Reality (and Why Planning Is Non-Negotiable)

Because of my job, I manage relationships and timelines for over 1,000 students throughout the year. Each student has different needs, deadlines, and expectations. Some need immediate responses, others are planning months ahead.

On top of that, my role includes travel, sometimes for a day, sometimes for a week. That means I have to be intentional about:

• Where I’ll be
• What work needs to come with me
• What must be completed before I leave
• And what can realistically wait

This is why I live by my virtual planner. And when I say live by it, I mean religiously.

My Planner Is My Brain

If it’s not written down, it does not literally does exist.

I track:

• Work tasks
• Personal tasks
• Appointments
• Birthdays
• Holidays
• Travel days
• Deadlines
• Sometimes even other people’s tasks

Everything is color-coded. Everything has a place. And, I know it sounds a little intense, but it’s how I stay present instead of overwhelmed.

I also keep sticky notes at work for things that pop into my head in real time. Not just work things either. Earlier today, I literally wrote down: “write blog.” Because if I don’t capture the thought when it comes, it’s gone.

Faith Comes First — But Time Still Matters

God is first in everything I do. Always.

But that doesn’t mean I use faith as an excuse to avoid responsibility.

God calling me to something doesn’t mean I ignore the task due in 50 minutes because there’s another one due in April. Faith and discipline work together. Stewardship of my time is part of my faith.

Prioritizing well is one of the ways I honor God.

I’m Not a Procrastinator… Mostly

I wouldn’t call myself a procrastinator. Everyone has off days, sure, but if something needs to get done, I get it done.

If I know something big is coming up, I’ll work on it little by little over time instead of waiting until the last minute. That slow, steady progress keeps me calm and focused.

My Slightly Toxic (But Improving) Trait

Here’s my honest confession:
If I love you, I will often prioritize your task before mine.

And not just finish it—I’ll put my whole heart into it. Extra detail. Extra care. Extra effort.

Sometimes that has come at the expense of something important for myself. I’m not perfect. But I’ve gotten better at catching it and correcting it.

Loving people deeply is a gift. Learning balance is the growth.

Final Thoughts

Prioritizing isn’t about doing everything at once.
It’s about doing the right things at the right time, with intention, grace, and honesty about your capacity.

Everything may feel loud.
But everything is not equal.

And once you accept that, life becomes a lot more manageable.

Until next time,
TTY L