Here's an interesting exercise to help you get in touch with what really matters in your life. Take a few moments to write down the top five things that are important to you. Examples of items you may want to include are your family, health, community, profession, a hobby, political causes, or volunteer work. Then, on the same piece of paper, list the top five activities that take up most of your time in an average day. Note the percentage of your waking time that they require.

Take a moment to compare how you spend your time each day with what you value most in your life. Have you found a good match? Or have you realized that you are neglecting some things that are very important to you? Once you increase your awareness of the way you are spending your time versus the way you want to spend your time, you can start making a difference. As you bring your unconscious habits and behavior patterns out into the open, you can begin realistically to assess small steps that you can take toward your new goals.

How can understanding your cholesterol help with spending more time on your priorities? With your cholesterol under control, and by following a sensible diet and exercise program, you'll have more energy, more time for activities, and a longer life to achieve your goals. You can take charge of your priorities by understanding and acting on your cholesterol.

For example, if you realize that you are spending three hours each day watching television and no time walking or participating in any other type of moderate physical activity, you can see that there is some time in your day that you can carve out to use for exercising. If you really can't give up your television time, then consider ways to do some exercises as you watch your favorite programs. Then, try to do this at least four days a week.

So consider how having more energy and a longer life span will allow you to give more time to some of those priorities, whether it be family, work, religion, or whatever else matters to you. Again, the investment in your health up front will pay handsome dividends in the future.