Put Your Big Rocks First

We all know the analogy which Steven Covey explains so well. In fact, this very same topic has undoubtedly been blogged about before.

Sure, there are those purists who believe that there might be flaws in the analogy and that smaller, urgent, little pebbles need to be addressed first.

But I don't want to turn this into a debate. I believe there is a lot of truth in the analogy as it stands.

We have 365 days available to us in 2017. That's 365 days of making some powerful, life-changing decisions. That's 365 days with which to make a big difference in our lives.

Traditionally, January the 1st is the day upon which we make resolutions. And we all know how well those go! Some have more willpower than others and are able to hold out for longer.

I would suggest that it's not so much about the rocks, the pebbles and the sand. No. I would suggest that you need a smaller jar.

Why do I say that? For the very reasons that I alluded to earlier: willpower. You're way more likely to be able to achieve seven goals than you are 10. Or three, rather than five.

Stick to the analogy of the big rocks first, then the pebbles, then the sand. After all, priorities are important and no one can argue otherwise. But pick two or three rocks, rather than ten.

There's nothing stopping you from starting a new jar, once you first one is full. Who knows? Perhaps, in 365 days time, you'll have achieved way more than you anticipated, simply by being more realistic and setting smaller targets.

In this case, less is definitely more.