A professor of
philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When
the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar
and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He
then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was full.
So
the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the
open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students
again if the jar was full.
They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar.
“Now,”
said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies
your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family,
health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks
remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other
things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand
signifies the remaining 'small stuff' and material possessions".
If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or
the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all
your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for
the things that are truly important.
Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness
and well-being. Take time to get medical check-ups, play with your
children, go for a run, write your grandmother a letter. There will
always be time to go to work, clean the house, or fix the disposal. Take
care of the rocks first – things that really matter. Set your
priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.
