I have been to many conferences where someone demonstrated the importance of prioritizing by filling a jar with fist-size rocks and asking the class if the jar is full. Since another big rock wouldn’t fit, the class answers, “yes.” However, the presenter proceeds to pour a pitcher of gravel, then sand, and finally water into the jar before it is finally full.
“If you don’t put your big rocks in first, the fillers of life will take up your day and you won’t fit your big rocks in at all.”
If you want to get things done that truly matter, you must focus on the big rocks. Ask yourself: What are the most important things I want to be prioritizing in my life right now?”
So much of my time is spent on our home, either getting it decorated and organized or tending to daily life. I wonder though if these are really what matter most. If at the end of the day, I haven’t had some time and space to myself, I can generally feel it. I’m tense and impatient and unsatisfied.
So I’m going to consider that time for myself as my biggest rock. As soon as I can each day, I am going to be mindful of making that time and space available for myself. (Lately it’s been just sitting for a few minutes on the little porch outside our bedroom.) I’m hopeful it will be a calm time of focus and rest in an otherwise busy day.
What are your big rocks?




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