Habit No. 3 Put First Things First to manage your diabetes

You have a vision of where you want your life to go. You have the proactive power to make the choices that will lead you there. Now you’re ready to do it – to take charge of your life with diabetes.

But with so many activities filling up your day, how will you find time to monitor your blood glucose? Or exercise. Or eat healthy foods? If you have identified your deepest values – those things that give your life meaning or richness – the answer will come naturally.

Putting First Things First simply means prioritizing your tasks according to what’s important. Start by asking yourself, What one thing could I do on a regular basis that would make a big positive difference in my life?

Now read down the list of self-care behaviors. Would you agree that any one of these behaviors would improve your life in a big way? Choose the behavior you find the hardest, or most frightening, and make it your first priority. Is it taking medication? Monitoring? Cutting out junk food?

If you keep to your vision and your values firmly in mind, the challenge will seem easier. Putting first things first is a good way to affirm the things – and the people – that matter the most in your life.

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