Introduction

• Have students jot down their own definition of priorities.

• Have 1-2 students share what they wrote.

• Provide a definition of priorities: “The things that matter most to us or the tasks that we deem most important in achieving our goals.”

Priorities Ranking Activity

• Have students pair up. Provide students with a list of tasks or activities (see slides in Resources section for possible list). Ask each pair to rank the tasks in order of priority and to be prepared to explain their reasoning. Have 2-3 pairs share their ranking. After the pairs share, discuss the following as a class:

  • What were some of the similarities in the rankings?

  • What were some of the differences?

Highlight how priorities can vary between individuals.

Provide an example of a time when your own priorities fluctuated due to an external factor.

Have 1-2 students share examples of when their own priorities fluctuated due to an external factor.

Adapting to Changing Priorities

Have pairs share with each other a time when they had to adapt to changing priorities or had to be flexible with priorities. Have pairs discuss what “going with the flow” means to them as it relates to priorities as well as an example of a time when they had to “go with the flow” and how it impacted their priorities. Have 2-3 pairs share what they discussed.

• Provide your own example of when you had to “go with the flow” and how it impacted your priorities.

List for Priorities Ranking Activity:

• studying for a test

• hanging out with friends

• exercising

• doing household chores

• spending time with family

• attending social events

• volunteering

• pursuing a hobby

• working on a personal project

• traveling

• relaxing and taking time for self-care

• attending religious or spiritual events

• taking on a leadership role in a club or organization

• building and maintaining relationships with friends