A Three-Strand Cord – See Perceive Act 

We’ve heard it, former procrastinators, and now we’re at the perfect spot to take advantage of a truth stated in Ecclesiastes 4:12.  “A three-strand cord is not quickly broken.”  What does that have to do with our desire to be diligent women, doing what needs doing when it needs doing?  It applies directly to our consideration of priorities, routine, and mini-habits.

The scripture section from which this verse comes encourages believers to strengthen themselves and each other through their relationships together.  The same truth can apply in other three-relationship situations. Ropes, braids, etc. Take a look:

Priorities are the few most important things we should be doing.

Routine makes priorities part of our everyday pattern.

Mini habits provide easy action for daily progress on priorities.

Determine your priority; consistently plug it into your day to establish a pattern; require yourself to do only a very small amount of work on it.  Read to the children (priority) one story (mini habit) at bedtime (routine).  Declutter closet (priority) for 5 minutes (mini habit) right after breakfast (routine). 

Remember a mini habit requires only a tiny bit of time to count as success.  (Step by Step into Minis – See. Perceive. Act.)  If you choose to do more, that’s fine; but consistency is your aim. Consistent (routine) attention on a priority has a compound effect. Plus, it builds a positive habit. Some results come quickly, others more slowly, but fruit grows.

Recognizing something should be a priority does not make it one.  A priority is something we actually give time and attention.  It requires a reserved spot in my schedule.  Otherwise, it becomes a “procrastinated priority” which means I don’t actually view or treat it as essential.

Some things can be weekly or monthly and still be priorities.  Visiting the museum or hiking.  However, be alert not to fool yourself.  Bible reading monthly would likely be fooling yourself.

Determine priorities, assign them a place in your day, work on them a few minutes.  That makes priorities happen.  The sense of peace and accomplishment is huge because the important things are getting your attention. 

Ask the Lord to help you discern what you need to do – when you should do it – and what small amount you should require of yourself daily.  See. Perceive. Act. 

Priorities, routine, and mini habits together have a stabilizing effect.  They intertwine to function well together.  They help you avoid fatigue and strengthen you.  They strengthen each other.  If one “slips” another holds it up.  If you feel too tired to act when it’s time, the smallness of the mini habit boosts you to act.  If you want to skip, routine will say, no this is when you do this.  If you have a lot on your plate, priority says this is my time, so do the little bit.

This three-fold cord is a simple and effective way to redeem the time, glorify God, and enjoy life more abundantly.

What one thing will you do to combine a priority, routine, and a mini habit?