Rank Ordering to Clarify What Matters Most
Periodically, I try to identify my “top ten” books, food, movies, music, travel destinations, etc. In general, this exercise forces me to learn about my preferences by prompting me to consider not just what I like, but why I like it.
In doing so, I engage more deeply with genres, styles, and categories I might otherwise overlook—and I gain clarity in articulating what resonates with me and why.
Take, for example, blues music. I might begin by asking myself: Which style of blues do I prefer (e.g., Chicago, Delta, Texas, etc.)? If I have the time and inclination, I can drill down further, identifying which musicians within that category I enjoy most and why. To do this, I listen to what I consider to be a representative sample of their work and then determine which songs resonate with me and what specifically draws me to them.
This process does not have to start at the genre level and work towards the musician or song. It can easily begin with the song and move towards the genre. For example, why does Maurice Brown’s “The Mood” or Stanley Clarke’s “East River Drive” appeal to me? Once I pose this question then I feel compelled to dig below the surface.
Sometimes, this exercise can feel overwhelming. In such cases, I might narrow the list to a top five or even three. The important point is to select a manageable set and then clearly explain my choices.
Focusing on personal preferences and articulating the reasons behind them encourages exploration and assists me to sharpen my critical thinking. It also provides a foundation for strategic planning, helping me better choose future projects, adventures, and experiments. By understanding what engages me the most, I can move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Photo Credit:
Photographer: Tom Page
Title: 2012 Paralympics
