The Order of Priorities That Can Change Your Life
I’m a massive fan of Joe De Sena.
For those who don’t know, he’s the founder of Spartan Races and the host of one of my favourite podcasts—The Hard Way.
On his show, he often talks about his priority list for life:
Health
Family
Work
Fun
At first, I wasn’t sure I agreed.
I had always been taught that family comes first, no matter what—that a man proves his love by working to provide for them.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized he was right.
And once I restructured my life around these priorities, I never looked back.
Here’s why this order makes all the difference.
1. Health Comes First—Always
If you don’t have your health, what do you have?
A strong body creates a strong mind—and without both, you can’t take care of your family, perform at work, or even enjoy life.
- Exercise sharpens your mind.
- Good nutrition fuels your energy.
- Proper sleep restores your willpower.
If you’re constantly exhausted, out of shape, or stressed, you won’t be able to give your best to the people and responsibilities that matter.
Neglecting your health is selfish.
Because when you’re weak, your family suffers, your work suffers, and you suffer.
Prioritize your health—not just for yourself, but for everyone who depends on you.
2. Family – The Only Thing That Truly Lasts
Family is everything.
They are the ones who:
- Pick you up when life knocks you down.
- Stand by your side when everyone else walks away.
- Celebrate your victories and help you through your losses.
Yes, they drive us mad sometimes.
Yes, they have their flaws.
Yes, they test our patience.
But when all is said and done, family is the only thing that truly remains.
At the end of your life, you won’t care about the money, the status, or the material success—you’ll care about the time spent with loved ones.
Make time for them now.
3. Work – More Than Just a Paycheque
We often hear that work is just a means to an end—a way to put food on the table.
But work should be more than that.
Work is your contribution to the world.
- A cashier makes sure people get what they need.
- A lorry driver keeps the world moving.
- A bin man prevents disease and keeps society clean.
Every role matters.
So whatever you do, take pride in your work.
Work isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference.
4. Fun – The Reward for Getting the First Three Right
Most people think putting fun last means living a dull life.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
When you get health, family, and work right, fun naturally follows.
- Exercise becomes enjoyable.
- Family time becomes meaningful.
- Work becomes fulfilling.
You don’t need to chase pleasure—it finds you when you’re living life with the right priorities.
And when you do carve out time for fun?
It’s guilt-free, because you’ve already handled your responsibilities.
The Formula for a Life of Meaning
The right priorities lead to the right results:
Health first → More energy, more clarity, more control.
Family second → Stronger relationships, deeper purpose.
Work third → Pride in what you do, financial security.
Fun last → Enjoyment without guilt or distraction.
When you put these in the right order, you thrive in every area of life.
Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Life?
If you’re serious about:
Mastering discipline and self-leadership
Balancing health, family, work, and success
Becoming the man you were meant to be
Book a Free Consultation Today and Start Leading with Purpose.