The Jar and the Big Rocks

Written by Robyn Holder Robyn Holder

Published: 25 January 2021 25 January 2021

Many years ago, I read a great story about time management.  The story is really neat, and holds a powerful message for us as we look at regaining our health and our life priorities!

A professor, speaking to his class on time management, used a gallon jar with rocks to make a point.  He first placed baseball size rocks into the jar, filling it completely.  He asked his students if the jar was full, to which most replied, “Yes!” 

Asking, "Really?" he reached under the table to pull out a bucket of gravel.  Dumping some gravel in, he shook the jar, causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.

Smiling, he asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By now, the class was onto him, and many answered, "Probably not.”

“Good!"  he replied, and reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand.  He started dumping the sand in and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel.  Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"

"No!"  the class shouted.  The professor acknowledged this answer with, "Good!"

Grabbing a pitcher of water, he began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim.  Then he looked up at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

The students thought the lesson was no matter how full your schedule is, you can fit more into it if you try hard.  They were completely wrong!

The lesson of the jar was actually this:  If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all. Why?  Because the jar is full of little stuff.

What are the big rocks in your life?  Maybe a project that YOU want to accomplish?  Time with your loved ones?  Time for yourself?  Your education, your finances?  A cause?  And, of course, regaining your health?  Having more energy?  Feeling better?

Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all.

So, this evening as you go to sleep, or in the morning when you waken, think about this story and ask yourself this question:  What are the "big rocks" in my life?  Then, work on putting those into your jar first.

At Full Circle Vitality, we help our clients realize one of their biggest rocks is putting themselves first!  Take one task at a time, and one day at a time.  If you overfill your jar, remember the rocks can easily be removed, and you can get back on track.  Give us a call if you’d like some help with your jar!