A Story You Must Read
Written by Michael Weaver | Follow me on Twitter | Free updates via Email.
You may have read this story – if you have, it’s a great one to read again. If it’s new to you – I recommend you check it out and I can promise you it will be worth it. Enjoy!
Perspective is where it’s at – and stories, quotes and other tools that help you and I gain perspective on life are not shared enough. Feel free to share with your family and friends like I have! Enjoy…
A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks about 2″ in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous – yes.
The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour their 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 rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, and your children – Things that 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 rocks. The same goes for your 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. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
“Take care of the rocks 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. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers.”
—
Image by vigilphilosophy.
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What up!
I heard this story once and I am glad to be reminded again~
And I think even when you think your jar is totally emptied, it’s still not, it’s still full of precious airs, and full of great possibilities to be filled again with more beautiful staff
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..If I must give prize to the world, =-.
Great story. Thanks for sharing. Aside from the beer comment, which I perceive to be a fundamental truth(!), your comment about the small things is key. It’s amazing how many people spend 90% of their energy fixating on little things, often in a way that frustrates or disappoints them, to the detriment of the rest of the things in their lives. Asking ourselves, or others, “why do you care about that?” can sometimes help break the habit temporarily. Long term, a more fundamental question to ask could be – “what will make me happy long-term?” The answer can then show us what’s really important and then we can focus our energy there.
.-= HappinessandWisdom´s last blog ..Happiness about life’s experiences =-.
Happiness…
You got it – sometimes it’s the small things that we let muddy our paradigms and overtake the big picture. Great point.
Mike
its the first time for me to hear it and its very inspiring,
thanks Micheal for sharing it
.-= Farouk´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Farouk,
Thanks again for visiting – it’s a great story to read – esp. your first time!
Best,
Mike
I’ve heard of this story before, and I love it! Its a great way to see your priorities the way they should be when you’re trying to make meets end the wrong way.
Thanks!
Yu´s last [type] ..The Unimportance Of A Comfort Zone
Yu,
Thanks for visiting! It is a great story – one that is certainly timeless and applicable to just about everybody.
Cheers,
Mike
Great story! We must know which is primary in life and which is secondary. In order to balance our life.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day.
Cheers,
JJ
Thanks JJ! – Have a great day yourself!
Mike