Many Business Class workshops, whether they are on time management or goal setting or management, include a demonstration of the BIG ROCK theory.

Seen it before?

Me too.  Over and over and over.  But it’s a great reminder every time.

You can read about it here.  Or watch this video.

Take a big gallon sized glass jar. Put 4 or 5 big rocks inside it.

Is it full?

Keep adding big rocks until it is full.

Now it is full, right?

On second thought, some smaller rocks would fit.

Pour pebbles in there.

Okay. Now it’s  full.

No?

Oh – some sand would fit.

Pour it in…it drifts in around all the nooks and crannies.

Now the jar is full.

Well…. it could hold water.

Pour some in. Every air spot is now packed.

What is the message?

You can always fit more in?

Yes.

You now have a big mess to clean up?

Yes…that too is true.

The most important lesson…YOU BETTER PUT THE BIG ROCKS IN FIRST!

What are the most important things to you right now?

Maybe they include: building your business, raising your children, volunteering at the school and exercising/eating for health. These important things are your BIG ROCKS.

Be sure that you put them in the jar first. If you don’t, the water and the sand and the pebbles will fill the jar and after that, the BIG ROCKS will not fit.

Tips on making sure the BIG ROCKS get in the jar first:

1. Your BIG ROCKS at work will most likely be different from those at home. So think through both. Also, you may have BIG ROCKS for your life as a whole and BIG ROCKS for this week and BIG ROCKS for today. Let the theory flex with the various parts of your life.

2. At the start of each week, make appointments (even if the appointment is with yourself) to do/work on the BIG ROCKS. Actually write each “appointment” in your appointment book and treat each one like an appointment with your biggest client, your boss or your doctor.

3. When you are overloaded and your mind is spinning unproductively out of control, say to yourself, “Self…. what is your biggest rock right now?” Whatever the answer, do that first. And until that is done, force yourself to forget about the other stuff.

4. If you like visual reminders, go outside and find a really big rock. Bring it inside and put in on your desk or wherever you work to remind yourself to DO THE BIG ROCKS FIRST.

5. Finally…do the BIG ROCKS first.

Since this article was written ( ten or more years ago), we’ve added to our tips for mastery.  See:  10 Tips for Mastering BIG ROCKS.

Just for fun:  Over the years, we’ve seen a number of versions of this.   One scenario used golf balls instead of BIG ROCKS for the message…better get your golf game in first.Another version used beer instead of water to convey the message…there’s always room for beer.l

Use any of  the above videos with any of these Related Articles:

• Theme for the Week:  BIG ROCKS
• Quote of the Week:  Do the BIG ROCKS 1st!
• 10 Tips for Mastering BIG ROCKS
• Brainteaser of the Week #42
• Movie of the Week:  Mastering BIG ROCKS

• Theme for the Week: On Doing Too Much
• Theme for the Week: Stop the Busy-ness
• Theme for the Week: Leaving Things Undone

copyright 2010 – Business Class Inc