Most people will tell you they have too much to do, too little time in which to do it, and no way of ever "catching up" with the backlog. It's no wonder so many people suffer from stress-related problems.
How Full Is Your Life?
There is a well-known story that illustrates a way to keep order in your life.
A college professor put a large empty jar on the table and proceeded to fill it with large rocks. He then asked his students, "Is the jar full?" There were nods and responses of "yes." Then, the professor poured a box of small pebbles into the jar, shook the jar so the pebbles fell down between the large rocks, and again asked, "Now is the jar full?" There were smiles and more nods and affirmative answers.
The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar, and the sand sifted down between the rocks and pebbles and once again he asked, "Is the jar full now, finally?" Amid giggles, the students again agreed that it was full.
The Message
The wise professor went on to explain what each component had to do with life.
The rocks represent the important things in your life: your spouse, your children, your health – things that make your life full even if everything else was lost. These things should be considered first. Take care of the most important things in life before considering anything else.
The pebbles represent your job, your house, and your car. These things are important, but could be replaced or changed without too much disruption to your life. These things are important and must be taken care of, but they are not your number-one priority.
The sand is everything else: the little things. You must wash the dishes, take out the garbage, and mow the lawn. But they are not the most important parts of your life. Those things can always wait until tomorrow.
Don't get caught up in the small stuff. If you fill your jar with sand first, there will be no room for rocks and pebbles – the really important things.
And Furthermore...
A student approached the professor and opened and poured a bottle water into the jar full of rocks, pebbles, and sand. It easily fit in, of course. His point was, there is always room for a little more. Nobody really knows what human capabilities and limits might be.
The Bottom Line
Set your priorities. Spend quality time on the most important things in your life. It might even help to make a list. Learn to say no when you know you should, when you're overwhelmed, when you don't think you could do a good job. When you take on a challenge, make sure you have the time and energy to do your best. |
