What to do when you have too much to do

After reading this post, we’ll see:

• What is the rock, pebbles, sand method.

• How you can use it to create an intentional life.

TL; DR;

This method is a beautiful analogy on how to prioritize your days and life, It helps build an intentional life.

We all face the same problem in our lives. There is too much to do (and not enough time to do it).

It's a terrible feeling. It's like the day before an exam (and you're not prepared). You're up all night, taking notes, learning a new chapter, making cheat - sheets.

But you know this doesn't work.

In life we take the same strategy as the exam cramming session. You're already overwhelmed. But you want to do more

• Exercise? Cram it in.

• Your hobby? Cram it in.

• Spending time with family? Cram it in.

As you know, this does not work. So what to do instead? Start with a clean slate.

The wise professor.

A professor held an empty glass jar in front of his class. He filled it with a few rocks.

" is the Jar full"? , he asked.

" yes!", the students said.

He now put some small Pebbles into the jar.

" is the Jar full"? , he asked again.

" yes!", the students said.

He now put some sand into the jar.

" is the Jar full"? , he asked again.

" yes!", the students said.

He now took a flask of coffee, and poured it into the jar.

" Now the jar is full", set the professor with a big smile.

The jar of your life.

The professor went on to explain:

The Jar represents your life. It is not infinite. The rocks are important things in your life. Your parents, spouse, children, health, things that make you happy.

The pebbles represent what is important, but at a secondary level. Your job, house, car.

The sand, is everything else. Watching TV, browsing social media etc.

If you fill the jar with sand first, there will be no space for the rocks and Pebbles.

The coffee is a very important lesson. There is always time to grab a quick coffee with your friend.

How to get started?

Rocks.

Start with a clean slate. Forget about your job title, routine, everything else. Ask yourself " what is most important in my life now"? The answer will vary with each person.

• Health

• Family

• Happiness.

Next, define daily activities for your rocks, in a perfect day. e.g.

" One hour workout 6 days a week in the local gym, 5:00 A.M". ( Check this out to double the chance of success).

Create recurring meetings in your calendar. Remember, if it's not on the calendar it's not happening.

These are your sacred hours.

Use techniques such as " don't break the chain" to be on track. Reward yourself each week you stick to it.

Pebbles.

Important and valuable, but not critical. Schedule these in the empty slots in your calendar.

Sand.

The trivial stuff. Try to reduce this so you can live a well - balanced life.

That’s it!!

I hope this concept helps you lead a more intentional life . If you found this helpful, share with someone who will benefit.

Further reading:

• The wheel of life

P.S: Did you like this idea? Let me know. I personally respond to each mail.