What are your big rocks?

You may know the story of the university professor asking his students to fit an assortment of rocks, pebbles, and sand into a jar. The non-obvious solution is to first place the big rocks, then the small stones, then the granular sand. If one were to start with the sand and gravel, the jar would be too full for all the rocks to fit. 

The demonstration is often used as an analogy for time management and prioritization. We need to know our big priorities before giving attention to the insignificant, trivial, and material factors that are also present in our lives. 

A former classmate and designer-turned-entrepreneur (go, Lauryn!) recently shared her approach to starting every week by defining her “big rocks” with a visual illustration. So when another young entrepreneur who I’m mentoring asked for tips on focus, my recency bias prompted me to ask if he knows his big rocks and to self-reflect if I know my own. 

I opted to start the week by illustrating my big rocks, and at a pre-holiday, pre-travel period when something has to give, it helped me illuminate what I needed to say “no, not today” to. Saying “no, not this week” has helped me clarify what I’m saying “yes” to.

Between preparing several requirements for the German citizenship application and upgrading my ICF coaching credentials, I had three exams to prepare for this fall. Fifteen years ago, in the height of my academic over-achieving days, three exams in six weeks would’ve been a walk in the park. Nowadays, it was a challenge. 

Knowing my big rocks has supported me to prepare for all three exams while building &joy’s portfolio and showing up fully present for client work. I’m grateful to share that the fall season has been full of enriching coaching sessions and facilitated workshops to help work “work” better for more people.

Over the last weeks, I’ve continued the practice of prioritizing what goes in my jar, which has also helped me get clear on what can and needs to wait. One of my big rocks for this week and next week is to reflect on what led to the many successes I’ve celebrated this year, so stay tuned for more on that. 

My questions for you: 

• What are your ‘big rocks’?

• How do you maintain focus on the things you’ve decided are most important? 

• What questions help you reflect on your celebrations?