Time management- putting the big rocks in first.

One of my mentors told me a story one day that really got me to thinking.  He told the story of a professor who was teaching his class about time management.  The professor got the attention of his class with a demonstration.  He placed a jar on his desk and filled it with rocks.  Then he asked his class "Is the jar filled?"  The class said "yes!"  "Really?"  He asked

Then he reached under his desk and grabbed a bucket of pebbles and proceeded to pour them in.  He filled it up and  shook it a little to allow the pebbles to settle in the crevices between the rocks.  Again he asked his class "Is the jar full?"  In unison the class responded "Yes!"  "Nope" He said "Not yet".  

Then he produced a bucket of sand and proceeded to pour the sand into the jar filling it to the rim.  Then he stopped to ask his class again.  "Now is it full?"  after a moments hesitation a few members of the class said "No".  "Now you're thinking" He told his class.

He produced a glass of water and poured it into the jar until it almost overflowed.  Looking up at his class he asked "What is the purpose of this illustration?"   One very eager student raised his hand and said "No matter how busy you think your schedule is, there's always room for more".

"Unfortunately" The instructor said "No, the purpose of this demonstration is that if you do not put the big rocks in first they will never fit".

When I heard this story I was astonished. I felt a light go off.  To have the essence of time management explained so simply was a great revelation to me.  Now for those of you that have never heard this story or may not understand, let me explain.  The big rocks are a metaphor for the major projects you have in your life.  That great idea you have for creating a business, product, maybe writing an ebook, or any major thing that propels you forward.

The  pebbles represent your job and the things that put food on your table.  Yes this is important but I want you to look at the ceiling on your job.  How far can you go before you reach the height of what they will pay you?  Does your job provide you the lifestyle you dream of?  Will it afford you wealth for your future generations?  Don't get me wrong I'm not telling you to quit your job.  You have to keep your job so that you can pay your bills until your business will.  It is said that any business that you work less than 20 hours a week (after work) is a hobby.

The sand represents your day to day activities.  Now of course picking the kids up, doing the shopping, and running your errands must be done however realize that if you put the necessary effort into YOUR BUSINESS it will free up more time for those things.

The water is your entertainment.  The things that don't really matter. The news, the ball game, those dreaded reality shows. Anything of minimal importance that you use to entertain yourself.  You have to take time away sometimes for yourself otherwise you go crazy. But realize that these activities take time away from your wealth creation.  Sacrificing a little water now will give you rivers later.

Please enjoy this video of Stephen Covey demonstrating this principle.