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UNIFYING PRINCIPLES 2: BIG ROCKS FIRST
UNIFYING PRINCIPLES 2: BIG ROCKS FIRST
Big Rocks First
A teacher puts a gallon jar on the desk and sets a pile of fist sized rocks next to it. She asks the class how many rocks they think will fit. As they call out their guesses, she places one rock after another in the jar. When she asks the class if it is full, they reply with a resounding “Yes!”
But wait she says. Then she brings out a container of gravel. The smaller bits of gravel lodge amongst the larger rocks. Next, sand poured into the jar slides into the spaces between the rocks and gravel. Finally water is poured in to fill the jar to the brim.
What’s the point ? If you were to do it in reverse the big rocks wouldn’t fit.
(*please note: after writing this article I saw this time management story attributed to Steven Covey in his book First Things First)
What does this have to do with Unifying Principles? The big rocks represent what is most important to us. The gravel, sand and water are the activities of daily living that surround the more deeply meaningful activity.
This simple demonstration encourages us to plan and prioritize the important stuff first. The dishes will get done, the garbage will get taken out. But your exercise routine, time to paint, write poetry, practice piano, take a hike with a friend, meditate, play crazy eights with your kids….
I invite you to take a moment for reflection. Think of a week when you were able to put the big rocks first. Usually there is a sense of bodily satisfaction from engaging in what holds meaning. As an added bonus, the “filler” material is often more satisfying as well.
For me, writing this newsletter is a big rock. And I fully expect that grocery shopping and cooking later today will be enhanced by having taken the time to be creative, to be of benefit and to express myself through writing. Read the rest of this entry »