True Priorities Revealed: How Time, Money, Energy, and Resources (TMER) Reflect What Matters Most

When asked about our priorities, many of us respond with idealistic answers: world peace, more family time, or helping those in need. These answers often reflect our values but not our true priorities. Our real priorities show up in how we spend four limited things: Time, Money, Energy, and Resources (TMER). Each is finite and unpredictable in quantity. How we use these reveals what truly matters to us.

Time, Money, Energy, and Resources symbolized on a table

Time Shows What We Value Most

Time is the most visible and often the most pressured resource. We hear phrases like “use your time wisely,” but what does that really mean? Time is the one resource we cannot earn back or extend. Everyone has the same 24 hours each day, yet how we choose to spend those hours reveals our priorities.

For example, someone who spends evenings with family rather than working late shows that family is a priority. Another person might dedicate hours to hobbies or self-care, signaling a focus on personal well-being. Meanwhile, someone who consistently works overtime may prioritize career advancement or financial security.

Questions to consider:

• How many hours do you spend on activities that align with your values?

• Do you feel rushed or fulfilled by how you use your time?

• What would you change if you had more control over your schedule?

  
  

Understanding your time use helps clarify what you truly prioritize beyond what you say.

Money Reflects What We Invest In

Money is a flexible but limited resource. Our financial situation changes over time due to jobs, health, or life events. How we spend or save money reveals what we prioritize financially.

For instance, a person who donates regularly to charity shows a priority for social causes. Someone who invests in education or skill-building values personal growth. Others may spend more on travel or experiences, highlighting a priority for adventure and memories.

Consider these examples:

• A family that budgets for quality food and healthcare prioritizes health.

• An individual who spends on entertainment and dining out may prioritize enjoyment and social connection.

• Someone saving aggressively for retirement shows a focus on long-term security.

  
  

Tracking your spending habits can uncover hidden priorities and help align your money with what matters most.

Energy Reveals What Demands Our Focus

Energy includes physical stamina and emotional strength. We use energy to work, care for others, manage our homes, and maintain ourselves. Energy is limited and must be replenished through rest and self-care.

Where you invest your energy shows your priorities. For example, a parent who spends evenings helping with homework prioritizes family support. Someone who dedicates energy to volunteering reflects a commitment to community. Others may focus energy on creative projects or fitness.

Think about:

• What activities leave you feeling energized versus drained?

• How do you balance energy spent on obligations versus passions?

• Are you protecting your energy to focus on what matters most?

  
  

Recognizing how you use energy helps you avoid burnout and focus on priorities that bring fulfillment.

Resources Include What We Own and Use

Resources cover physical items like homes and cars, as well as intangible assets like skills, knowledge, and networks. These resources are tools we can spend or share.

For example, lending your car to a friend in need shows generosity as a priority. Using your skills to mentor others reflects a focus on growth and contribution. Investing in your home environment signals a priority for comfort and stability.

Examples of resource use:

• A person who shares their home for community events prioritizes connection.

• Someone who invests in learning new skills values self-improvement.

• Donating belongings to charity shows a priority for helping others.

  
  

Evaluating how you use your resources can reveal priorities that might not be obvious in daily life.

Aligning Your Priorities with TMER

To live intentionally, reflect on how your time, money, energy, and resources align with your stated values. Here are some practical steps:

• Track your TMER for a week. Note where your time goes, what you spend money on, where your energy flows, and how you use your resources.

• Identify mismatches between what you say matters and what your TMER shows.

• Make small changes to redirect TMER toward your true priorities. For example, reduce time on distractions, adjust spending, protect energy with rest, or share resources more intentionally.

• Set clear goals based on your priorities to guide future decisions.

  
  

This process helps you live authentically and make choices that reflect what matters most.

Phillip Bass, MDiv, ThM, MA, NCLCMHC, NCC,

Licensed Qualified Supervisor