I got this email today from a friend of mine and it reminded me of what this story represented to me the first time I heard it. You may have read it before but I think it is worth revisiting.
It is interesting how much a little story can mean to you at the right moment, this story helped me tremendously in my business when I was struggling with time management. It also helped me a bunch when I needed to reflect on setting my priorities straight in my personal life.
I hope you get as much out of it as I did…read it carefully and enjoy.
Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers…
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed..
‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things—your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else—the small stuff.
‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children.
Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Play another 18 holes of golf.
Go create memories with your friends..
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.
The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’
The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.
16. February 2010 at 3:51 PM
Jose,
I remember the first time I heard that story. It really hit home with me. Thanks for the reminder of the fact that you need to tackle the big things first and there will always be time and room for the rest of life.
Live a Juicy Life!
Susan
Susan Davis´s last blog ..What Planet are YOU on?
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Caraballo & Associates Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 11:07 PM
I had to put this up because I also heard it at a seminar or something but I did not write it down or remember it. Now with a little luck, I will never lose it!
Thanks
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16. February 2010 at 5:27 PM
This made me smile, how true about all of that! The beers are indeed what keep life interesting and make the rest of it worth doing, yet we have to keep priority and perspective as well.
Too often, people focus on the pebbles, and forget how important the big rocks are. They forget how much those big rocks bring to their life and how out of balance things will RAPIDLY get if they do not keep their focus on them.
This is a fabulous example of the perspective we must keep for growing into happy, healthy, successful, wealthy individuals!
Kimberly
Kimberly Castleberry´s last blog ..Google Analytics Tip: Exclude Your Own IP Address From The Results
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Caraballo & Associates Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 11:06 PM
coming from a person who recently had his jar full of sand. I know the importance of it but I cannot forget it. It seems like when things get thick, sand starts to seep in and I need to keep that in check.
Thanks Kim!
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16. February 2010 at 7:19 PM
Jose – This story is worth revisiting again and again – I’ve heard it before but it moved me today. What came to mind is how important it is to know what are golf balls and what is the sand. And that pertains to the big picture of our lives as well as the daily activities. As Covey reminds us: What’s urgent but unimportant and what’s not urgent but important? What things, if you got them done each day, would leave you feel accomplished and closer to your goals? Thanks for this!
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Caraballo & Associates Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Well look at you quoting my favorite book back at me. I Love it! You are right on the money Amy.
Thanks for coming visiting.
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1. March 2010 at 9:27 PM
No matter how many times I read this story, it’s well worth reading it again. One of those timeless classics that will have an impact forever!
Thanks Jose,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last blog ..Meet Malin Berdette, World Traveler Extraordinaire
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Caraballo & Associates Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:09 PM
I have to admit, it made SO much sense to me when I first heard it. I am so glad that it came back around and gave me the opportunity to share.
Thanks for the visit.
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