Big Rocks First - The Affirmation Spot for Saturday December 1, 2007

Today's Thought

What is is, but that doesn't mean it's what must be.

Today, perhaps, is not my most original post. However, certain ideas and concepts bear repeating, as we often forget them amidst life's busyness. An occasional reminder never hurts. You may already be familiar with the Big Rocks analogy, but if not, let me recount it briefly. This story has countless derivations, with many authors crediting Stephen Covey for including it in his book First Things First.

The story goes like this: A college professor, addressing a class of ambitious MBA candidates, decided to make a point to these overachievers. Announcing, "It's time for a quiz," he sparked shuffling in the room as students pulled out pens and paper, ready to tackle what they assumed would be a complex question on macroeconomics. To their surprise, the professor instead revealed a large, wide-mouthed glass jar from behind his desk.

Under the curious gaze of the class, the professor placed several fist-sized rocks into the jar until it was filled to the brim. Then he asked, "Is the jar full?"

One eager student immediately raised her hand, proclaiming, "Yes, professor, the jar is full!" The professor, however, patiently questioned her response: "Are you sure?"

He then produced a jar of small pebbles and poured them into the glass jar. The pebbles trickled into the spaces between the larger rocks. Once finished, he asked again, "Is the jar full?"

This time, someone replied skeptically, "Probably not." The professor smiled and pulled out yet another jar—this time filled with sand. He poured the sand into the jar, letting it seep into the gaps between the pebbles. Then, with the sand reaching the top, he had a student pat it down to ensure it was even with the jar's edge.

"Now, is the jar full?" he asked. A few in the class hesitantly claimed it was, but the professor wasn't done yet. He produced a bottle of water, pouring it into the jar until the sand absorbed all the liquid. Only then did he confirm, "Now, the jar is truly full."

When applying this example to our lives, the professor explained, the lesson is clear: If you don't put the Big Rocks in first, there won’t be room for them later.

Consider this: If all goes well, we get about 80 trips around the Sun (give or take). The water, sand, and pebbles—the endless distractions—will always be there, gnawing at our time. If we don't prioritize the Big Rocks in our lives, the things that truly matter, we risk never getting to them.

In my company, coaching sales teams is the Big Rock for managers. It’s not only critical to their success but also the very reason they enjoy being sales managers. Yet, they often let the little things consume their calendars, leaving the Big Rocks neglected. Only when they start scheduling their Big Rocks FIRST can they experience the fulfillment they seek.

On a personal note, my wife and I took our first trip to Hawaii last March. We fell deeply in love with the place, sparking a shared dream to live there one day. Friends and family may doubt our seriousness, but we are actively thinking about and taking steps to make it happen. We’re so captivated by the blue waters that the vision of Hawaii has become a Big Rock for us. When deciding on next year’s vacation destination, there was no debate—we booked another trip to Hawaii. Instead of exploring somewhere new, we chose to prioritize our dream and put our Big Rock in the jar first.

What are the Big Rocks in your life? Who are the people, what are the experiences, and which achievements bring you the greatest joy? Are they the first things in your proverbial calendar, or have they been relegated to the bottom of the pile in the hope you’ll eventually get to them?

As the year comes to a close, take this time to reflect on your direction in life. Identify your Big Rocks and make them your priority, ensuring they take center stage in 2008 and beyond.

Peace...

Ray

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